It's Eric Staal's turn.

After his agent said his client's looking for a top-six role in unrestricted free agency, and the Carolina Hurricanes said their former captain won't be returning to Raleigh, Staal himself spoke about his future Tuesday.

ESPN's Pierre LeBrun caught up with the 31-year-old, who is both excited about the future and motivated to prove people wrong. The center is looking to put the past two years, which he called "challenging," behind him.

"It's an opportunity," Staal said about hitting the market. "It's been interesting so far and I'm sure it's going to get more interesting as the week goes on and we get to Friday."

Staal's getting older, and his production is slipping. He had 61 points in 2013-14, 54 in 2014-15, and only 39 last season. But he's not finished. At least not in his eyes.

"I feel like I've got a lot of good years left in me, I know I do," he told LeBrun.

That's what makes Staal's landing spot crucial - he wants to be put in a position where he can succeed. He's also going to take into account his family, as his three children were born in North Carolina.

"I feel like I've got a lot of miles left yet," Staal reiterated. "And just looking for that right fit and opportunity and go from there."

Staal said the shock of being traded at the deadline to the New York Rangers prepared he and his family for free agency. They've been through a move, they know what to expect.

As LeBrun notes, Staal won't be the first off the board Friday. As a center, he's going to get an opportunity, but he may be waiting a bit.

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