Hurricanes center Eric Staal has surgery for core muscle injury

Carolina Hurricanes center Eric Staal had surgery to repair a core muscle injury. General Manager Ron Francis said he expects Staal to be healthy when the season starts.

Carolina Hurricanes center Eric Staal had surgery to repair a core muscle injury, executive vice president and general manager Ron Francis announced on Tuesday.

Staal, 29, led the Hurricanes with 40 assists and 61 points last season.

Francis said he expects Staal to be healthy when the season starts.

“Eric notified us of the injury late last week, and flew to Raleigh and then Philadelphia to be evaluated,” said Francis. “By having this procedure now, Dr. Meyers believes Eric will be able to return to action for training camp and be at full health for the start of the regular season.”

The Hurricanes finished last season 36-35-11, missing the playoffs.

Carolina has undergone several management changes this offseason. Francis was hired as the new general manager in April. The team fired coach Kirk Muller and replaced him with Bill Peters in June.

More: Carolina coach Peters wants 40 goals from Skinner

- Paul Palladino