Fleury Close Re-Signing, Staal Questionable
Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins
Jun 13, 08:47 AM | Hype this story!
Earlier today, Justin Maffei wrote about Evgeni Malkin’s stance with regards to a new contract.
Clearly the news was good, and the same seems to be true for goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, who is slated to become a restricted free agent July 1.
Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review wrote that, “Fleury told us last week that he does not expect ‘any real problems’ with these negotiations. He wants to be a Penguin and the Penguins want him to be a Penguin. This is a matter of how much and how long and Fleury has practically all the leverage, so he’ll get what he wants.”
While there are no fresh quotes or inside sources cited within his article, it would appear that a deal is somewhat imminent, as general manager Ray Shero clearly understand the importance of having a goaltender of Fleury’s caliber committed to a long-term contract.
Rossi goes on to suggest that, due to Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux liking what winger Marian Hossa brings to the team — not just offensively, but defensively as well — Shero will make a strong push to keep the Slovakian who widely is regarded as the cream of the free agency crop.
And that’s where the good news ends.
According to Rossi, third line center Jordan Staal is concerned about his role with the team, indicating that he feels he is worthy of playing on one of the top two lines.
Rossi wrote, “Staal likes playing in Pittsburgh, but has some concerns with how he is used by the current coaching staff … Also, Staal and his camp are at least intrigued by the idea of testing the restricted free agency waters on July 1, 2009…”
The way I see it, re-signing Malkin and Fleury longterm is a huge step in the right direction and would relieve many of the concerns expressed by fans and experts alike. Shero just has to be careful to stagger these contracts, along with Crosby’s, so he is not dealing with an abundance of big-name free agents in any given summer.
As far as Hossa is concerned, I don’t have many doubts that he’ll be re-signed. He genuinely seemed to enjoy his time with Crosby, a world-class center — something he hasn’t had the luxury of playing with in his career.
If he re-signs, I think it’s safe to say the Penguins could have three 100-point scorers, and potentially three of the top five scorers in the NHL — of course, that is assuming none of Crosby, Malkin or Hossa suffer significant injuries. I think it also would be safe to assume that Hossa would be a candidate for the Selke Trophy, awarded to the best defensive forward in the NHL. Playing in Atlanta didn’t get him much recognition for this award. Playing in Pittsburgh will.
Lastly, regarding Staal, I think this is a problem potentially over-dramatized and easily solved. To me, Staal seems to be a quiet player willing to accept whatever role is given, but it’s reasonable to assume he wants to take another step forward. That certainly doesn’t mean he’s going to hold out over it.
The solution is simple: move him back to the second line as a left winger, where he spent much of his rookie season. Sure, he has all the makings to be a standout shutdown center, but he also has the tools to be a standout power forward capable of filling the void on the second line if Malone leaves. But what if Malone stays? How about a gig on the first line with Crosby and Hossa for young Staal? He may not have scored many goals this past season, but if given a chance to park himself in front of the net and use his big frame, the goals will come.
Comments
Pens1967
Jun 13, 09:06 AM
Matt, I agree with your thoughts on Staal. I hadn’t thought about putting Staal with Crosby, but it’s a good one. It’s not a bad consolation prize for a 19 yr old either. :)
Dabich
Jun 13, 09:24 AM
I’d give him a contract with a clause based on performance with regards to playing on the first line with Crosby. he has the potential to do it. Give him his chance. He’s no better, nor any less of, a player than the others who would like to play on that spot. Let him earn it as any other play would also have to earn it.
I love Staal and what he brings to this team!
Aron
Jun 13, 09:30 AM
Correct me if i’m wrong..but didn’t Staal start as Crosby’s LW this past year? I’m pretty sure that’s why I drafted him in my fantasy hockey league? This could have been the year before as well….but i know it’s been tried already.
Matt Bodenschatz
Jun 13, 09:54 AM
Dabich, incentive-based contracts aren’t possible for players of Staal’s age. I’m not positive about what age they can be utilized, but I believe it is after 35. So that’s not an option.
Aron, I believe the plans all along were to have Staal at center this year, as evidenced by the initial part of this article. Now, it does mention that he played the wing in a preseason game and the team broke out. This article indicates the opening night lines had Staal on Crosby’s wing. So, to answer your question, yes, it looks like he started on Crosby’s wing. Personally, I would like to see him on one of the top lines, as I think his big frame and his excellent strength would allow him to be a Ryan Malone type (possible better) in front of the net.
henkegbgskea
Jun 13, 09:57 AM
well i take a a chance on it
Crosby-Hossa-Stillman
Malkin- Sykora- Staal
Malone and Orpick traded for draftpick and prospect.
Ben Schmidt
Jun 13, 10:04 AM
Dabich and Matt: Incentive based contracts can only be given on entry-level contracts, or to players over the age of 35 on a one-year contract. No other contracts may have performance bonuses.
Phil
Jun 13, 10:16 AM
Staal is my favorite Penguins player. Just saying that off the bat.
If he wants to go, why not let him come July 1, 2009? I mean that’s one (possibly large) contract we’d be getting rid of, and if we resign Hossa then Staal might become a luxury more than a need.
Besides, he’s not going to be unrestricted, meaning we’ll get compensated mightily for whatever deal he signs wherever.
It’s not like Pittsburgh can’t just match it anyway if they’re so inclined. That’s just a route they’d rather not take.
It’s not the end of the world if we lose Staal to keep Hossa (and maybe Bugsy or Orpik?). Maybe I’m just blowing hot air, though…
Matt Bodenschatz
Jun 13, 10:26 AM
Boy, I don’t know. Staal is a 19-year-old beast, both in physical stature and defensive dominance. He’s a sure-fire Selke winner in a few years and has the potential, in my opinion, to outproduce Malone on the statsheet. He’s a “core” player, as Shero likes to say, and I just can’t see a single benefit in letting him go — unless it’s via trade that brings a return of a player or players currently in the NHL and capable of filling his void. I don’t want picks or prospects. I want ready talent. And even then, it would be a tough, tough loss.
henkegbgskea
Jun 13, 10:35 AM
well loosing Staal cant happen !
he s a selke trophy winner in the near future ….
We need him !,
I feel i have to explain a little my earlier message.
Orpik and Malone traded to jackets for
1 round pick no 19.
and prospect Marc Methot defenceman.
Pens then signs Ufa:s
Cory Stillman and Kurt Sauer.
Dabich
Jun 13, 12:19 PM
Ben ~ thanks for the info. I see I’m not familiar with all the NHL rules.
Staal is a keeper, in my book. Shero should figure out a way to keep him.
Pens1967
Jun 13, 03:23 PM
Rossi has been known to be wrong before. Remember when he reported from a reliable source that Avery was near death after the lacerated liver?
The Pens just might have to approach Staal and lay out the cold, hard options for him: a top six forward but only at LW or third line center. He can choose which he prefers. Don’t forget Ryan Malone came up as a center, too.
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