TSN.CA reporting tonight that Jordan Staal has rejected a long term offer to stay with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
"He is not prepared to enter into a contract extension at this time," Staal's agent, Paul Krepelka, told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun.
TSN's Bob McKenzie noted that Staal has given the thumbs down to a 10 year extension for the highly sought after Staal.
The Pens have said repeatedly that they wish to sign Staal to an extension. Staal has yet to tell the Pens whether he intends to re-sign with the club. Read between the lines. Turning down a multi-year deal with the club that drafted him into the NHL tells me that Staal is suffering from wandering-eye-itis.
Jordan Staal will never be the #1 or #2 centre in Pittsburgh. Ever. Crosby is about to sign a reported gargantuan 10 year, $9 million per season deal. Newly minted NHL MVP, Geno Malkin, will become a UFA after the '13/14 season.
Staal's four year deal is up at the end of the '12/13 season. He, like Derek Roy is a $4 million per year cap hit.
Staal is only 23 years of age, however, he's already won a Stanley Cup, and has been a go-to guy for the Pens when 87 and 71 have been injured the past two season. Under the present CBA, Staal would be eligible for UFA status at the end of this season.
On locker clean out day in Da Burgh, Staal played his cards close to his vest when asked about his future in Pittsbugh.
thanks, penguins.com
Goodbye, Pittsburgh.
Hello, Buffalo?
The people I speak with on a regular basis tell me that Staal is interested in playing to #1 pivot role for a contending team. He's a lead guitarist, not a third option rhythm guitarist buried in the mix.
Darcy Regier has reportedly called the Penguins regarding the availability of Staal. Regier said earlier this week that he's making calls to GMs who have players who are not "available".
Buffalo are in a favorable position right now because they can offer a value-laden package of veteran players, top prospects, and first round picks in Friday's entry draft.
Whats more, Pegula, Black and Benson have deep roots (and deeper pockets) in Pittsburgh and they are hard guys to say no to.
Shero has to move Staal now to get the most value for him. If he were to get injured and had to miss a portion of his final season under contract with the Pens, Shero would not be able to maximize the return that he could get for his asset as much as he can today.
Knowing what I know about the Sabres, they'd be willing to trade for Staal knowing that he he's a season away from UFA status. Their leverage is that they can craft a multi- year contract like that of Ehrhoff and Myers that will pay him front-end money.
If I'm Regier, I offer the 12th overall pick in Friday's draft, a second rounder, Derek Roy, and Reggie Sekera.
Roy was critical of Lindy Ruff on locker clean out day. Its time for the Sabres to turn the page on Roy. Staal. Ennis, Hodgson is a solid 1,2,3 throat punch down the middle of the ice.
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