Carolina Hurricanes captain Eric Staal has returned to the ice in Raleigh, N.C. following a surgical procedure in late July to correct a core muscle injury.

"It was frustrating," Staal said to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer of the injury. "At the time of the injury I thought I was in the best shape I've ever been in.

"It was from training," continued the Hurricanes center, who first began skating 10 days ago. "It wasn't anything that was nagging. I felt it a little bit and took a week off from the exercise I was doing. I felt good the next week, then kind of really hurt it."

According to Hurricanes trainer Pete Friesen, the injury was more of an abdominal wall injury than a sports hernia – which bodes well for Staal's status this fall.

"I feel good," said Staal of his recovery. "I just want to continue to take steps before (training) camp opens and then look forward to the start of the year."

The 29-year-old pivot is coming off of a disappointing 61-point season in which he managed his worst offensive totals since his rookie season way back in 2003-04. In particular, Staal struggled to generate power-play goals – he actually tallied more goals short-handed (two) than he did with the man advantage (one).

"There's no reason for that. We've got to find a way to utilize him properly," said incoming Hurricanes coach Bill Peters of Staal's struggles in five-on-four situations. Peters has repeatedly focused on Carolina's toothless power play in conversations with the media this summer and, in his captain, he seems to have a vocal supporter.

"I think he's got a good plan for the individuals we have and will get the best out of everybody," Staal said. "I'm excited to work with him and get an opportunity to be put in positions to be my best, and I'm sure it will be the same for the other guys."