Does anybody know what pittsburgh has decided Jordan Staal?

Question

Does he stay on the team?

Answer 1

Staal, the No. 2 choice in the June NHL draft, has been impressive in his time with the Penguins, scoring four goals in eight games. But once the center plays in his 10th game, Pittsburgh can no longer send Staal back to his junior team in Peterborough, Ontario, without being obligated to honor his NHL contract.

One veteran says there should be no debate whether the 18-year-old Staal should stay with the Penguins beyond Saturday's game against Philadelphia. While Staal's status this season could cost the Penguins financially and move up the center's eligibility for restricted and unrestricted free agency, Mark Recchi doesn't want to lose his new linemate.

"I have a hard time believing it's even a question," the 38-year-old Recchi said. "I'm not the GM and I don't know about the business side. But I do know he makes our hockey team better."

Staal's three-year, entry-level contract kicks in if he plays 10 games. That would make him eligible for restricted free agency in the summer of 2009 -- the same season as fellow Penguins rookie Evgeni Malkin. That could prove problematic with the NHL's salary cap.

Also, the collective bargaining agreement dictates that a player does not accrue a season toward the seven that are required for unrestricted free agency status until he plays in 40 games. If the Penguins assign Staal to Peterborough before early January, he will not be an unrestricted free agent until 2014, instead of 2013.

The Penguins have been tightlipped about the situation.

"We haven't made a decision yet. We're going to play that game (Saturday), have a day off Sunday, and then we'll make a decision," coach Michel Therrien said.

Answer 2

Yes Jordan staal is still in the home team -
Playing career
Jordan Staal was drafted second overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, becoming the second Staal brother to be drafted this high after older brother Eric. As of June 2006 he plays for the Peterborough Petes of the OHL. Staal has won the OHL Championship with the Peterborough Petes, played in the 2006 Memorial Cup, where the Peterborough Petes failed to make the playoff round. He was also selected for the 2006 CHL Top Prospects Game.

Older brothers Eric (Carolina Hurricanes) and Marc (New York Rangers draft pick) both also play professionally, while younger brother Jared was drafted first round, 11th overall in the 2006 OHL Entry Draft by the Sudbury Wolves; Marc also played for Sudbury while his brother Eric played for Peterborough. Marc has since been sent back down to the Wolves.

Jordan was signed to a professional contract by the Penguins on October 2, 2006, and began the 2006-07 season with the team in the NHL. On October 12, 2006 Jordan scored his first goal in the NHL, a short handed goal against the New York Rangers. Since then, Jordan has scored 2 more short-handed goals, both in an October 21, 2006 game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. One of the goals came on a penalty shot, but is considered a short handed goal. Jordan is currently the NHL statistic leader for most short handed goals.

Answer 3

I believe they have to decide before their next game. I think Staal's going to stay with the team. With the points he's putting up, they just can't send him down.

Answer 4

I certainly hope they do not send him...I can understand if the Pen were not competitive like last year.This year they have developed some excellent chemistry and he has been terrific on the penalty kill. If Shero Jr. has any hockey acumen they will not disrupt the teams current chemistry especially now that they have embarked on a West Coast swing..

Answer 5

Jordan can play in one more game (His 10th Game) before the Penguins have to decide whether to keep him or send him to the minor leagues.

Answer 6

They haven't decided yet. It is a really tough decision and you proably won't hear until about Wednesday.