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Eric Staal did not participate in Carolina's morning skate due to illness, however will still play Thursday against Toronto, James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail reports.

Staal did not participate in Carolina's morning skate due to illness, but will still play Thursday against Toronto, James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail reports.

Analysis:

Staal, an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, has been the focal point of trade rumors as the Feb. 29 deadline approaches. The 31-year-old will look to get rolling after ending his 17-game goalless streak. With two points in his last three contests, the center may be shaking himself out of his funk, but he remains a risk in terms of fantasy value as trade speculation continues to swirl.

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