Staal on offseason surgery: Issue 'would have probably plagued me throughout the season '

Carolina Hurricanes captain Eric Staal underwent surgery to repair a core muscle injury near the end of July, and the 29-year-old told the team's official website the decision to go under the knife was made to ensure he's in peak physical condition for the upcoming season.

“The word ‘surgery’ never sounds good. But it would have been something that would have probably plagued me throughout the season if I didn’t get it fixed,” he said. “I had the opportunity to get it done quickly, and now it’s about rehabbing properly and making sure I’m back to 100 percent for the start of training camp.”

Staal spent much of last summer rehabbing a knee injury suffered at the 2013 World Championship, but expects a much smoother recovery this time around. 

“It’s not as tough to overcome as a knee injury,” he said. “The rehab has been a lot easier and a lot better. I'm feeling pretty good already a week after.”

The veteran center also spent time meeting with new head coach Bill Peters - who has "big plans" for the captain - and was encouraged by the bench boss' outlook on the team.

"You could tell just by talking to him that he was excited about working with the guys that we have and getting the best out of everybody," Staal said. 

Well on the road to being 100 percent healthy, Staal will be looking to improve upon an uncharacteristically poor offensive 2013-14, integral to making the Hurricanes a Cup contender once again:

We have to make the playoffs. It’s been too long. It’s been extremely frustrating for us as players and obviously for the fans and people within the organization. We’re going to put pressure on ourselves to do that, to get back there.