The Carolina Hurricanes aren't in a rush to move captain Eric Staal, and he isn't in a rush to leave.

With goals in six of his last seven games, the aging star center has been productive of late. He plays a premium position, has a sterling resume as both an offensive player and a playoff performer, and his contract - while expensive - expires following the 2015-16 NHL season. That's a package any number of rival teams would find tantalizing if Staal had any interest in being traded.

As it stands, he's not thought to be willing to move on from the Hurricanes. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, there's a growing belief around the league that Staal won't agree to waive his no-trade clause.

"I was asking a couple of teams who I thought might be interested in Eric Staal, and they're kind of telling me that they're under the impression that Staal will not waive his no-trade this year," Friedman said in a guest appearance on Sportsnet 960 the Fan on Monday. "I've kind of looked into that and that's the impression I got.

"There's still six weeks to the deadline so you never know if anything changes," Friedman continued, "but there are teams that believe he's not going to be available - at least not this season."

With Staal expected to stay put in Raleigh, N.C. this March, teams in need of top-end center help will likely turn towards Arizona Coyotes pivot (and pending unrestricted free agent) Antoine Vermette.

- with h/t to Nichols on Hockey