Will Jordan Staal Join the Carolina Hurricanes?

Yea, yea, we know the L.A. Kings are about to win the franchise’s first Stanley Cup. No big deal. Nobody’s watching, anyway.

There was, however, and interesting “rumbling” today in the world of hockey, and it came from the fingers of ESPN’s lone hockey Insider, Pierre LeBrun.

From LeBrun’s Cross Checks blog:

“Several teams have already expressed an interest regarding Jordan Staal (from Pittsburgh), but I believe the Hurricanes will be aggressive in trying to trade for him, with the idea to have him on same team as his brother, Hurricanes captain Eric Staal.”

Interesting stuff, Pepe.

Of course, LeBrun notes that Pittsburgh is focused on signing Staal to an extension. He is the Penguins’ X-Factor, after all, and his ability to play almost any position in almost any situation lets Crosby and Malkin run wild knowing that their third line can handle the heat.

But, if Jordan does go to Carolina, it’s safe to say the Hurricanes could become an instant threat.

Hockey teams rise and fall like families in America, and the addition of one or two players can take you from the conference basement to the Stanley Cup. That is how the ‘Canes won the Cup in 2006, after all, and it’s how the New York Rangers jumped from eighth in 2011 to first in 2012.

And, hey, the L.A. Kings are about to become the first eighth seed to ever win the Stanley Cup. If the Hurricanes can grab the second oldest (and second youngest) Staal, they may be able to make a serious run next year.

Or, at the very least, they’ll be able to prolong Tampa’s and Winnipeg’s pain a little longer.