The Carolina Hurricanes are ready to accept their fate.

Now, they have to find out if captain Eric Staal is ready to accept a trade.

Making $8.25 million US in the final season of his contract, the Hurricanes are going to have to retain salary if they really want to move Staal before the NHL trade deadline (Monday, 3 p.m. ET), but GM Ron Francis has been working the phones hard after the club dropped a 4-1 decision to the Boston Bruins Friday night.

Since Staal has to waive his "no trade" clause in order for the Hurricanes to make a move, Francis likely has to get a deal in place first. There has been talk the New York Rangers would be the perfect fit because it would give Staal a chance to play with his brother Marc in the playoffs.

This situation is worth watching in the next 24 hours.

OFF THE GLASS

Another player to keep an eye on is Tampa Bay Lightning prospectJonathan Drouin. He's at his home near Montreal waiting for a trade and talks have intensified in the last 24 hours. Bolts GM Steve Yzermanhas been steadfast in demanding immediate help for Tampa Bay, along with a prospect or two in a deal, if Drouin is to be traded. The Senators, Rangers, Blues, Sharks and Jets are among those that have done more than kick tires on Drouin ... This will be Don Sweeney's first deadline in the GM's chair of the Boston Bruins and he is facing a huge dilemma with winger Loui Eriksson. A UFA on July 1, the Bruins have tried unsuccessfully to sign him to a contract extension. It's believed his camp wants a long-term contract worth close to $6 million per season. The Bruins haven't shown any interest in going there with term or money. That means by Monday, Boston has to decide whether it wants to keep one of its highest-scoring forwards (23-35-48 points in 62 games) this season. The Bruins haven't locked up a playoff spot by any means but they're in a pretty good position to make the post-season. If they decide to trade Eriksson, then they're going to have to replace him and there are no guarantees the guy they get is going to be any better. Given what went on at the draft last year when the Bruins started dealing players and loading up on picks, nobody expected them to be in a position to make the playoffs. Boston has to weigh whether it's worth it to get a first-round pick, a prospect and another pick in return. At this point, it sounds doubtful Eriksson will move.

AROUND THE BOARDS

The Panthers made a pitch for Habs forward Dale Weise before he was dealt to the Blackhawks on Friday night and when that didn't happen they acquiredJiri Hudlerfrom the Flames for two picks along with Edmonton's Teddy Purcell for a third-rounder and defencemanJakub Kindlfrom Detroit ... The Penguins will try to move winger Chris Kunitz before the deadline but with another year on his contract at $3.85 million that could be difficult ... There were some eyebrows raised when winger Mikkel Boedker, who is almost certain to be dealt by Monday, took the ice Saturday afternoon in Philly because many felt the Coyotes should protect the asset. If Eriksson isn't dealt, then Boedker is the next best forward available, although, the market was a little flooded before Saturday's action. A report by Craig Morganof Arizona Sports indicated Boedker turned down a whopping five-year extension worth $5.5 million per season ... The Sabres have been unable to get a contract done with forwardJamie McGinn. He likely will be dealt by Monday and the belief the Sabres would like a second-rounder in return. Sounds reasonable.

RUMOURS DU JOUR

After acquiring backup goalie Anders Nilsson from the Oilers Saturday morning, the St. Louis Blues aren't done shopping. GMDoug Armstrongwould like to add another element of offence especially after Chicago bulked up by acquiring Ladd, Tomas Fleischmannand Weise. It's believed the Blues have made calls to the Bruins and Coyotes about their available forwards the prices are pretty steep. They may come down before Monday morning and that may mean the Nashville Predators get involved in the forward market as well ... The Islanders have shown more than a passing interest in Toronto wingerP.A. Parenteau. He has been pretty much assured he'll be moved and he hasn't hurt his cause by contributing offensively with 16-16-32 points going into play Saturday. Parenteau spent two seasons with the Islanders from 2010 to 2012 so GM Garth Snowknows exactly what he's getting in return ... There's a lot of teams looking for defence including: Boston, Florida, Tampa, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Washington, Dallas., Colorado and the Islanders. It's believed all those teams have called Calgary GM Brad Treliving to express an interest in blueliner Kris Russell. Other options include: New Jersey's David Schlemko, Ottawa's Patrick Wiercioch, and Carolina's Ron Hainsey. Vancouver's Dan Hamhuisis an option as well but he has to waive a 'no move' clause to accept a deal and has publicly shown interest in going to Dallas ... If anyone is interested in either winger Scott Hartnellor defenceman Fedor Tyutin, give Jackets GMJarmo Kekalainen a call.

Have a nice Sunday.