If, if ..... Staal blocked RF from making a better trade because he wanted to play in New York only, then I guess he has that right , given the contract JR bestowed upon him years ago. However, if this is true, then it does put a bad taste in Caniacs mouths regarding Staal. We'll probably never know the true story, but I think Ron Francis was trying to be as clear as he could that Eric won't be coming back this summer. I almost detected a slight bit of relief on RF's face and demeanor. Perhaps, I am reading too much into it. However, overall, I am happy with the return for Eric. I talked with some Rangers fans yesterday and they were just about all unanimously sad to see this trade cost them Aleksi Saarela. One fan told me that he is another Teemu Selanne. That may be a stretch, but he is an incredibly fast skater and an excellent playmaker.
- RichDman64

The fan that told you Saarela is the next Selanne was trolling the hell out of you.

The fan that told you Saarela is the next Selanne was trolling the hell out of you.
- MidnightMarauder

Uh yea, I mean things happen, guys suddenly can blossom & explode in they're development but I think Saarella IF he makes the NHL would be a bottom 6 guy.

Uh yea, I mean things happen, guys suddenly can blossom & explode in they're development but I think Saarella IF he makes the NHL would be a bottom 6 guy.
- B2B76

He did look great at the WJCs playing with Kapanen.

But to say he is the next Selanne is either drastically uninformed or he was just messing with that Canes fan.

Good B prospect though.

He did look great at the WJCs playing with Kapanen.

But to say he is the next Selanne is either drastically uninformed or he was just messing with that Canes fan.

Good B prospect though.
- MidnightMarauder

Teemu Selanne was one of the best hockey players in the game of the last 30 + years.

Teemu Selanne was one of the best hockey players in the game of the last 30 + years.
- B2B76

Can't name more than five better scoring wingers in the modern era of the NHL.

Can't name more than five better scoring wingers in the modern era of the NHL.
- MidnightMarauder

Such a different era now, that was the early 90s but within 5 years you had Brett Hull, Bernie Nicholls, Selanne & Mogilny all score 70 + goals.