Carolina's Staal Out Three Months: Eric Staal (third-degree MCL sprain) faces a three-month recovery time but will not need surgery, Tampa Tribune writer Erik Erlendsson reports (Updated 5/18/13)
Injury Report
Knee - (Updated - 5/18/13)
Fantasy Analysis
It's a significant injury, but the offseason should be enough time for Eric Staal to be ready for the 2013-14 season, which would have been in jeopardy had he suffered a tear. The news is good, in other words. (Updated 5/18/13).
05/18/2013 11:30 Eric Staal has MCL sprain, will not require surgery
Eric Staal will not require surgery for the injury he suffered at the World Championships. He will be ready for the start of next season.
Having posted at least 70 points in each of his last seven seasons, the oldest of the Eric Staal brothers proved in 2011-2012 that even in a "down" year, he can still be relied upon for strong fantasy production. Staal surged in the second half of the season after a disappointing start, recording 45 points in the final 42 games. If head coach Kirk Muller likes what he sees when experimenting with placing big brother Eric on the same line with Jordan in the pre-season, the Ontario native could be in for a big improvement off of last year's numbers. Staal is one of the most consistent centers in the NHL, essentially a lock for 30 goals and 70-plus points each season. (Updated 8/14/12)
