Putting Jordan Staal under the microscope

by FrankD on Nov 16, 2008 12:41 PM EST in News Comment 6 comments

Jordan_staal_medium

Games	G	A	PTS	PIM
First eight	0	3	3	4
Last nine	7	1	8	4

Edit: I plan on moving this story up again later in the day/tomorrow. Just as I posted this news of Sydor was confirmed so I jumped on that...

Jordan Staal has been on fire for the Pittsburgh Penguins lately, there's no denying that. Coming off a rough 28 point sophomore season in 07/08 (12G, 16A), the Penguins - and fans - were really hoping to see Jordan Staal kick it into high gear on offense. The 2008 campaign started off looking like a continuation of last season. In fact, Staal went through the first 11 games of the season without registering a goal, yet managing to tally three assists on the scorecard.

Enter the last few games. Staal lit the lamp for the first time this season on November first against the St. Louis Blues en route to a 6-3 Penguins win. Two games later against the Islanders, Staal would tag another one, ultimately leading up to his season-high four-point, hat-trick night against the Detroit Red Wings on November 11. Thanks to last night's 5-2 win over the Sabres, Staal has another two goals to add to his season total of seven, already more than half of his goal production last season.

Even though two of his seven goals came as emptynetters, that doesn't negate the fact that he is starting to find the net. The month of November has proven already to be a very profitable month for Staal, where one can even argue that the Pens are winning every game in which he scores a goal.

Rumors circulated earlier this season, and during the offseason, that the Pens would look to move Staal by the trade deadline. Picking up his salary for next season might prove to be a trying task and something the Pens might not accommodate considering the heavy payloads of Malkin, Crosby, Fleury and Orpik. As far as I'm concerned, if Staal keeps producing at this level it would be a travesty to let him go. Granted it's still early in the season, but I can't see the Pens giving up a 20-goal (or more) scorer by the deadline. That would just be absurd, especially with a playoff push on the way.

If a seven goal, eight-point November isn't a sign of things to come, I don't know what is. With six games remaining in the month, combined with the Penguins current six-game win streak, I'd say Staal is only getting started.

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The beauty is that Crosby and Malkin are actually making a modest salary compared to what they could be making. If Staalsy has any intention of staying, and if Ray Shero has anything to do with it, like you, I’d be shocked to see him go. However, every time Staal scores, I’m calling it “money in the bank” in my head. Let’s hope this kid is only getting started.

by Lori on Nov 16, 2008 7:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Crosby and Malkin are definitely modest now, but as those deals start to mature they’ll each be pulling in close to 9 mil each. We can always hope the salary cap will continue to expand, as it has over the past few seasons, but to think it’ll expand enough to carry six, eight mil/year contracts might be a bit much. I was reading something the other day from a Wings perspective that basically said Detroit is trying to make considerations for Hossa already. Some of those hypothetical who should stay and who should go situations. Apparently dropping a guy like Franzen would give enough room to offer Hossa the max, which is of course what that money grubbing SOB will be looking for.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Nov 17, 2008 12:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think a lot of the reason those rumours began was because Staal didn’t sign a contract this summer, as soon as he was eligible. However, with the significant moves the Pens made (signing Malkin, obviously a big feat, the attempted Hossa deal and then signing Satan, Fedentenko and all the other FA moves) I think it was more a prioritizing move, getting things done that were more urgent, than an indication that Staal wouldn’t be signed. There is still plenty of time for Staal to sign a deal before he becomes an RFA – and right now, on this point streak which is increasing his worth with every goal he gets, he’s probably happy he didn’t sign in July.

I think that we may see a deal signed before the deadline, if one is coming, because I can’t imagine that Shero wants to entertain any offer sheets on Staal (just look at the Dustin Penner fiasco in Anaheim) and bargaining during the playoffs isn’t anyone’s idea of practical. There were talks at the beginning of the season that Staal’s agent was beginning to negotiate with Shero – so I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear something more about this sooner rather than later.

I agree with you though – it would be a shame to let him go if he keeps performing like this, especially before a playoff run. Besides, if they got rid of him I would have to think of something more meaningful to say during games than “I love the Staals” – and that would be the real travesty.

by Dayna on Nov 16, 2008 10:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The Dustin Penner comparison is pretty good. That’s pretty much the thing I’d like to see them avoid if possible. And you’re totally right about him playing for a raise, because that’s exactly what he’s doing. If anything the Pens will probably file for arbitration in July if they feel they want to try and work something out with him, much like what they did with Fleury. Basically it would allow them extra time in working out a deal without worrying about someone else snatching him up. I just have a feeling that Jordan is going to draw a big number and, if he does, the Pens won’t be able to compete. He’s always struck me as a Michael Peca sort of player who can fit well with any system, but a critical part that can draw some big money too.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Nov 17, 2008 12:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

From what I understand Shero and Staal’s agent are at about the same salary right now and that a deal will not take long (from the Trib). Staal’s agent will also be in town next week on “routine business”.

by PensFan024 on Nov 17, 2008 10:03 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Ah yes, the infamous “routine business” venture that just happens ot coincide with his client’s huge offensive jump. Drew Rosenhaus is known for that too, but more so when his players choose to sit on the bench with fake injuries.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Nov 17, 2008 11:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs