Hurricanes, Jordan Staal Begin Conract Negotiations

via Chip Alexander of the News & Observer, “We had our initial conversation last night,” Rutherford said. “Basically it was, ‘We made the trade, we know everybody is happy, now we need to start talking long-term.’ That being agreed on, now the work begins.” Jordan Staal has one year remaining on a contract he had with the Pens that will pay him a $4.5 million salary next season. He’s due to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2012-2013 season. Staal last week turned down a 10-year contract extension offered by the Pens that would have paid him a reported $60 million. Rutherford did not say what contract parameters – length and salary – the Canes or Staal might be interested in negotiating. Krepelka said his policy was not to discuss contract negotiations, saying via email, “Jordan is excited about the opportunity that lies ahead of him in Carolina.”