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Post by habsgm on Sept 20, 2006 12:10:08 GMT -5
What's the word on Staal? I'm assuming Eric and Ian might have heard how he fared in camp and how things are looking heading into the preseason contests . .
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Post by Eric Wsh GM on Sept 20, 2006 12:38:26 GMT -5
From what I've heard and seen, he's probably heading back to the OHL. They're probably just keeping him here to get him some experience and see what he's capable of doing against the NHL talent. Ian saw him in person at training camp, I did not. But I really don't think that Staal will stay. It would take an absolute tremendous pre-season for him to stay, and I don't see that happening.
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Post by edmontongm on Sept 20, 2006 13:32:53 GMT -5
According to Jeff Twohey (GM/President of the Peterborough Petes - great to know someone on the inside somewhere), he expects that Staal will be back with the Petes this season. He however is unsure if they will get him for the start of the OHL season, or whether it's before his 10 NHL games have expired.
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Post by ianintheam on Sept 21, 2006 8:34:58 GMT -5
The team doesn't want to keep him on the roster, but that might have to change depending on Malkin's injury.
He didn't impress me in camp, but he has played good in the preseason games. They are trying him on the LW now, playing on a line with Crosby and Armstrong.
Right now, I would say he's got a 25% chance of making the team, but a 75% chance of making it if Malkin in injured for a long period of time (months not weeks).
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Post by habsgm on Sept 21, 2006 8:38:08 GMT -5
Are there any further revelations on the nature of Malkin's upper body injury or is mum still the word?
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Post by Eric - Washington GM on Sept 21, 2006 16:06:08 GMT -5
"The Penguins have yet to update the condition of center Evgeni Malkin, who is believed to have dislocated his left shoulder during Wednesday's game." www.post-gazette.com/pg/06264/723862-61.stmMark Recchi also broke his cheekbone in that game, but should be OK to play. I honestly laughed a little bit when I saw it. too funny.
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Post by ianintheam on Sept 22, 2006 7:22:21 GMT -5
This sucks. My preseason tickets is for tonight's game against Washington, which looked like a great game two weeks ago. Now, no Crosby (played last two nights, and tomorrow on road), no Malkin (injury), no Ovechkin (minor injury, not expected to play).
At least we will find out it Staal can be 'The Guy'. I expect him to get alot of first line/first PP time tonight.
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Post by habsgm on Sept 22, 2006 7:38:21 GMT -5
from post-gazette.com: Malkin out, but for how long? Dislocated left shoulder will be re-evaluated next week; Recchi could play this weekend despite fractured cheekbone Friday, September 22, 2006 By Dave Molinari, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Evgeni Malkin has a dislocated left shoulder. What he doesn't have is a prognosis. While an examination yesterday confirmed the nature of the injury Malkin got in a ferocious collision with teammate John LeClair in an exhibition game Wednesday, its severity has yet to be determined. . . www.post-gazette.com/pg/06265/724087-61.stmI guess that's positive news for the fans of the flightless birds.
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Post by edmontongm on Sept 22, 2006 10:24:24 GMT -5
I would seriously expect that Malkin is out for about 2 to 4 weeks. (Usual approximate time for dislocation to heal). I would not expect Malkin to be in the opening day lineup as I'm sure the Penguins want to treat this for a slow recovery.
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Post by ianintheam on Sept 22, 2006 15:18:50 GMT -5
ESPN radio is reporting that Malkin has a seperated shoulder and surgery is strongly recomended. They are seeking a second opinion, but it looks like he will be out 3-6 months.
If Staal has a great performance in the upcoming Preseason games, I can see him making the team. Erik Christensen is penciled in as the penguins second line center now, if he struggles in the upcoming games, that will also help staal make the team.
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Post by scruffy on Sept 22, 2006 16:00:24 GMT -5
Personally, I think it's retarded if the Pens rush Staal into the NHL... They rushed MA Fleury and he played like absolute crap for those two years...
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Post by Nashville Predators on Sept 22, 2006 16:08:52 GMT -5
I was fretting about moving Ryan Malone as he was pencilled in to play alongside Malkin, now it's looking like a good bet he won't improve this year playing with Eric Christensen
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Post by ianintheam on Sept 22, 2006 21:47:15 GMT -5
Just got back from the Pens game.
Staal looked average at best, and his playing time seemed a little low, like the coach was pissed at him or something. Chances of him playing this season are slim.
Another point that I read today: The Pens don't want to sign Staal this year, but rather next year to a contract. Since all entry contracts are three year deals, signing Staal this season would mean that both he and Malkin would be up for big raises in the same offseason, the offseason after Crosby gets a big raise. They think it might be easier to deal with them one at a time.
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Post by Eric - Washington GM on Oct 2, 2006 15:35:47 GMT -5
Staal signed today. So call me shocked. He'll probably return to Juniors in 9 games.
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