I don't know. I don't think the "joining his brothers" rumor is something that can be stamped out around the league. Sell him as a 1.5 year rental, or trade him to Carolina. Even if it was all smoke and mirrors, Carolina still had to consider NY as a possible option for Jordan when they were dealing for him. We don't have that card to play against them in negotiations.
At least with a rental player, there's a reasonable chance that the player would re-sign with you. With Marc Staal, if that option isn't even on the table, what do they realistically expect to get? Especially when you take into consideration the recent rash of injuries he's dealt with?
Ultimately though, it's all a moot point. If he's not extending here, then he has to be traded. I'm just spinning my wheels speculating about the pitfalls.