Rangers' Vigneault envisions Eric Staal playing down the middle

Eric Staal hit the ice Monday morning as a member of the New York Rangers after Sunday's big trade.

Following practice, head coach Alain Vigneault met with the media and said he expects the longtime Carolina Hurricanes captain to play center in New York.

"I do envision Eric playing in the middle," he said. "With Eric, you're talking about an elite player, been captain of his team, and will bring his leadership to the room.

"There's no doubt our players are excited about Eric."

The Rangers host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night, so Staal will make his debut. But with Jesper Fast ill and out of the lineup, Staal will likely start on the wing.

There are questions, if Staal eventually moves to center, because the Rangers already employ Derek Stepan and Derick Brassard.