Does the name Staal ring any bells? No, not that one who repeatedly cross-checked Sid in the head last spring, but the one that was instrumental to the Penguins 2009 Stanley Cup run. That's right, Jordan Staal is back in the news when it comes to the Penguins. The former 3rd line center has become the biggest rumor to hit this team since David Perron roughly two months ago.
The Pens are looking to shake things up. This team could use more depth and better play from the bottom six, and the organization seems to believe Staal is a solution. His time in Carolina has been consistent with his time in Pittsburgh. He put up 40 points in 82 games last season and 31 in the strike shortened 2012-13 year. After missing the first three months of this year due to a broken leg suffered in camp, Staal has 14 points (3-11) in 21 games for the horrific Hurricanes.
I don't think there is a question in what you're getting in Staal. You get a big, smart center who can play on any of the top three lines and could play wing if asked. He is good on the power play and even more valuable on the penalty kill. More importantly, he's a big performer in big games. Anyone remember Game 6 of the '09 Cup Finals? I sure do. Staal is a fan favorite who could slide ride back into this team, add his leadership back and provide the punch everyone wants from Brandon Sutter.
So what do the Pens need to do to get him? The first problem is Staal is in his 3rd year of a 10-year, 60 million dollar deal. He is a 6 million dollar annual cap hit. Steep for a 3rd line center, but definitely one with more punch than Brandon Sutter.
The bigger problem is the full no-movement clause. Staal went to Carolina to play with older brother Eric. The elder will be a UFA after next season, and many think he will be moved sometime in the next 12 months as Carolina rebuilds. Jordan, it is said, would waive the clause if it meant coming back to Pittsburgh. That's encouraging.
The Trib's Josh Yohe reports that any deal for the former Penguin would be more likely in the offseason, but the Pens would like to add him for the stretch run. Meaning, the Pens would have to shed close to 6 million in cap space to pull off this move.
So who would go?
The likeliest candidate would be Brandon Sutter, who makes 3.3 million dollars and is still young enough to build with. The Pens would probably have to move a pending UFA like Ehrhoff or Martin to free up the money too. Chris Kunitz is an interesting name as well, considering he reportedly wants out. Moving him with Sutter would free up enough money, but it likely wouldn't be enough for the Canes.
The Canes need defensive and goaltending help as well, considering their only real piece in that regard is Justin Faulk. Scott Harrington and Brian Dumoulin would almost have to be involved. Robert Bortuzzo could be thrown in as well to help out immediately. An interesting name to me would be goalie prospect Matt Murray. He is playing lights out in Wilkes-Barre this year, and likely won't be supplanting Flower anytime soon. He could be a valuable chip as well. I doubt the Pens would add Pouliot or Maatta, so I won't even consider that either.
All of that, of course, would be if the Pens looked to make a move by March 2nd. Now, if the Pens go and make a move in the offseason, then it could be easier. Ehrhoff and Martin come off the books, which frees up 9 million right there. The Pens would still have Sutter, Kunitz and Scuderi as veteran pieces to move, and they would be just as able to move prospects like Harrington, Dumoulin or Murray in June. Then, the Pens could add to the defense through free agency to replace any prospect.
I won't hide it, Id love to have Staal back in Pittsburgh. I respected the reason he left in the first place and I have no ill will towards him. The money isn't such a concern to me either, considering that's the same deal the Pens offered him two years ago. He's two years older, but he has continued to produce consistently, even on a depleted Canes team. I love his frame, I love his game and I think this is where he belongs. I vote in favor of the move, but only time will tell if what I just wrote was worth while.