IT MUST BE JORDAN STAAL DAY ON TSCSF BLOG TODAY (all my posts just happen to be about Staal -- I'm sure this amuses his fans)!!
According to TIOPS, Jordan Staal and the Penguins continue to discuss and "sources" expect the talks to increase as training camp approaches. The current sticking points for Staal are his longterm and power play positions on the team. TIOPS reports that he is "fine" with being the Penguins' third-line center but wants to be moved up to the first-line during power plays. [ah - GOOD LUCK with that! Is he serious? I suppose since Crosby and Malkin were willing to accept less to remain in Pittsburgh, it could be possible that they would give up their positions on the power play too -- I don't know about this one -- this could actually be Jordan's last season in a Penguins uniform!]
I guess what he could be asking for is more consistency and wanting to avoid being "flopped" back and forth on lines. I can understand that since it probably allows you to "step up" your game when you get to know your linemates and have a chance to click with them (that was one thing I never could understand about Therrien's gameplan -- how he changed lines constantly, but that's not for me to question -- they did make it all the way to the SCF)!!
In terms of money, Staal is looking to sign a contract for a little more than was R.J. Umberger recently signed for (4 years / $15 million). As you may recall, the Penguins initially offered Staal 4yrs / 13.5 million as a starting point to begin contract talks. That's a slight difference.
TIOPS also reported that both the Leafs and Panthers have approached Pittsburgh to inquire about Staal.
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