from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,

Staal is an impending free agent whose future in Carolina is unclear. The 31-year-old has a no-move clause, but if GM Ron Francis is not willing to commit to him as the franchise’s ongoing standard-bearer, there would seem more than just a chance Eric would waive it in order to join younger brother Marc on Broadway. Know this: the Rangers have talked about Eric Staal before.

The Candy Canes are on the outskirts of the playoff race after seven straight misses, so maybe they won’t be willing to send their captain out of town. And Staal is having a very good season, third in the NHL among forwards in 5-on-5 Corsi while playing for a very strong possession team.

But realistically, the future isn’t going to be now for Carolina. So what would it take to get him? What will it take in a market that will be directed by Eric’s willingness to waive his no-move?

The Rangers have either this year’s or next year’s first-rounder available, depending on which pick they opt to send Arizona to complete the Yandle deal. Trading the other one would keep the Blueshirts out of the first round for five straight years. But the team hasn’t won the Cup for 21 years, the window is closing, and the makeover can be postponed until the summer.

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