Hurricanes captain Eric Staal skating, feels good

Carolina Hurricanes center Eric Staal has been skating for the past two weeks and said there are no issues stemming from a knee injury he sustained during the 2013 IIHF World Championship in May.

"It felt good," Staal told The News & Observer after skating with teammates Wednesday. "It has been no issue here for a little bit now. It's good to be back and it felt strong. I feel good."

Staal, who was representing Canada, was injured May 16 after receiving a knee-on-knee hit from Swedish defenseman Alexander Edler. Staal was diagnosed with a third-degree sprain of the right medial collateral ligament. Staal did not have to undergo surgery, but he did need several weeks of rehabilitation.

"It was very solid and strong all the way through," he said of the rehab.

The News & Observer reported Staal did not wear a knee brace Wednesday and said he does not plan to wear one going forward. He will attend Canada's Olympic orientation camp in Calgary, along with his brothers, Hurricanes center Jordan Staal and New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal.

Eric Staal led the Hurricanes with 53 points (18 goals, 35 assists) in 48 games last season.

"Every time you get back you get the excitement going for a new year," Eric told the newspaper. "I'm excited about training camp starting and getting the season going."