Big Lead Sports Bar

1/08/2009

JORDAN STAAL GETS FOUR-YEAR DEAL



Yep, you heard that right: sometimes-maligned Penguin Jordan Staal just got signed through 2012-13. And this isn't some rumor, it's on the Pens' official website. As far as the money angle...

The team's salary cap hit will be $4 million per season, with Staal earning $3.5 million each of the first two seasons and $4.5 million each of the ensuing two seasons.

Staal's contributed 10 goals and 11 assists this season and has been a frequent subject of trade discussion (at least among the fans). The timing was interesting. I suppose this might divert attention away from the persistent Pat Quinn-as-coach rumors that Mark Madden mentioned at length yesterday. In fact, a poll on Double M's X page is currently running 63-37 in favor of replacing Michel Therrien with Quinn.

So what do you think of these moves, Pens fans? To me, the Staal deal sounds reasonable, and while I think he's not a bad coach, I think it's probably time for Mad Mike to move on. It sounds like he's probably lost the locker room. Agree, disagree?

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13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Isn't he actually more tradable now that he's locked up with a not too long contract? That's definitely a doable contract for a 1st line center on another team.

mondesishouse said...

Yep - I think that's a huge point

Koz said...

sign and trade

wait i'm not supposed to comment about this guy.

:-\

Reactor Jack said...

I'd like to see a coaching change. The team looks horrendous. I don't see how that can't at least be put on the coach somewhat.

As far as trading Staal, no way. Trade away some defense, try to get some help in the offseason, but don't do anything with the Centers. Crosby, Malkin and Staal down the middle. You don't give that up.

Koz said...

On second thought, if he's going to stay here and be a Penguin, I'm definitely behind him. Let's hope maybe having a contract done takes some weight off his shoulders and he starts hitting the net (particularly the back of it) more often.

Anonymous said...

Or will it create more pressure on him to earn that money?

I say trade him. Even with special teams, he doesn't get the time he deserves on the 3rd line. I think it would be best for him and the Pens if they get good return for him.

Arlow said...

This guy reads the papers and surfs the net as much as you or I. He hears the rumors and has to live with them day in and day out. I think this takes the pressure off of him and maybe he starts burying some of those chances that he's had. It starts tonight. 2 goals and an assist.

Pittsburghler said...

Lost the locker room because they went on a five-game skid? In a few of thsoe games they outshot their opponent but just couldn't beat a tough goaltender. At other times, they just didn't get the right bounces.

Do they look out of sync? Sure, but that's what happens when players start pressing and gripping the stick a little too tightly.

Things might even get worse before they get better, but their talent is undeniable and at some point they will reel off a few wins in a row and all will be good again.

Therrien got our team into the playoffs his first full year as coach and deep into the Stanley Cup Final his second full year. They will be in the playoffs again. If they don't win the cup, that's okay. It is foolish to expect that any team should win it all. Ask the San Jose Sharks about that.

The core of this team's talent are still kids, relatively. Have patience! Wait tile Mlkin and Crosby are 25 and Fleury is 28 or so. They wil be BEASTS! Who will stop them then?

We're in a rough patch right now....but this will pass.

BACK AWAY FROM THE KEYBOARD. . .

Unknown said...

he hasn't lost the team, YOU'VE lost the team.

--rod marinelli

Anonymous said...

why is it that every coach that has been behind the bench since badger bob has lost control of the team?

Chip said...

A coaching change can't happen soon enough for me. We won the past two years in spite of Therrian, not because of anything he did. After he was exposed in getting completely outcoached against the Red Wings last year, it was obvious we'd never win with him behind the bench. Bring in somebody who knows what he's doing.

Merx said...

can him......I agree with chip completely, the players hate him, it's not going to get better with him.

Anonymous said...

Don't trade Staal!