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Eric Staal feels good after first skating session since surgery

Edmonton Oilers v Carolina Hurricanes

RALEIGH, NC - MARCH 16: Eric Staal #12 of the Carolina Hurricanes against the Edmonton Oilers during their game at PNC Arena on March 16, 2014 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Oilers won 2-1. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

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About a month ago, Carolina Hurricanes captain Eric Staal underwent vaguely described “core muscle” surgery that may or may not be somewhat like getting a sports hernia treated. He participated in his first informal skate with the team on Friday, and from what he told the Raleigh News & Observer, it sounds like he’s off to a good start.

“I feel good,” he said. “I just want to continue to take steps before (training) camp opens and then look forward to the start of the year.”

The 30-year-old forward explained that the issue resulted from training and wasn’t a nagging issue that plagued his disappointing 2013-14 season. Staal stated that he was believed he was in the best shape of his life* before that ailment came up, but perhaps he was pushing too hard?

This Hurricanes team is tough to peg this season because of players like Staal; one could easily see them crash and burn yet again, yet there’s always the possibility that key core figures will rebound and/or enjoy better health in 2014-15.

(Speaking of which, Chip Alexander reports that Jeff Skinner was also involved in that informal skate.)

There’s also the possibility that new head coach Bill Peters might get more out of this team than former bench boss Kirk Muller did. Staal said that he engaged in a “productive” 45-minute discussion with the new coach back in July, so at least there’s been some dialogue between the two.

Staal’s 61 point output last season was a big disappointment considering that he didn’t really blow away his work from the lockout-abbreviated 2012-13 campaign (61 points in 79 games versus 53 in 48 contests). Staal never dipped below 70 points in a normal campaign aside from his rookie season back in 2003-04, and with his $8.25 million cap hit and his $9.25 million salary for each of the next two seasons, there’s a lot of pressure for Staal to turn things around.

Being close to 100 percent certainly wouldn’t hurt his chances, so this positive update at least prompts some optimism.

* - Please don’t take a shot any time you read that phrase this summer, especially as training camps approach.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins