Jordan Staal

[Anybodyhome]

We've all made comments about his age (33), how slow he's gotten and his decreased productivity. His 3 goals and 11 assists this season are far from previous years, but let's take a moment to appreciate what he brings to the ice night in and night out.

He's the face-off guy, whether it's regulation, PP or OT, if there's an opportunity for him to be in the circle, he'll be there. He's the heavy guy who will go in deep and play below the net so the lines can change. He may not be fast, but his experience and instinct make up for all that. How many times have we seen him handling the puck in the corner following his own dump & chase while surrounded by 2-3 opponents and he's able to muscle his way out.

I've spent lot of the last few games watching him with and without the puck and the amount of work he puts in, the grinding, the heavy pressure and you begin to understand why RBA wants him on this team. Sure, there are a lot of players to be had for his $6M salary, but it's not all about putting the puck in the net. I don't know there are a lot of veteran centers at his age who are major role players on the 4th line while wearing the "C" on their sweaters. There are a lot of veterans who wouldn't accept that.

Jordo has another year left on his deal and I won't be surprised when he probably decides to retire. But make no mistake, his sweater belongs hanging from the rafters in PNC Arena.

[MillionDollarCam]

The case of Jordan Staal is really odd because his production was actually up last year compared to previous years.

I do think he’s on the decline but I also think he’s been snake-bit quite a bit this season. Hopefully his recent goal can give him some confidence going forward.

[Darkseid89]

I think in hockey you need guys like Jordan, any sport really. He is trustworthy and dependable. You will get his best day in and out. 
 

the work he does let’s our younger more nimble guys stay more clean.

he is a leader just by the example he sets every time he steps on the ice. He is and will always be a top Cane for me.

[Harbingers]

9 hours ago, MillionDollarCam said:

The case of Jordan Staal is really odd because his production was actually up last year compared to previous years.

I do think he’s on the decline but I also think he’s been snake-bit quite a bit this season. Hopefully his recent goal can give him some confidence going forward.

Like I keep saying. I think his productivity is going to take off near/come playoff time. He’s running a marathon not a sprint, figuratively and literally. The way we use him or the 3 line really just doesn’t afford him a lot of chances. Especially when we have Nino or Fasty down there.

Honestly, aside note, I’d rather we put Fasty with Aho if we loss TT again for any length of time. He’s probably our best flex passer. I love Martinook but he doesn’t fit on the Aho line. He always gets low and Aho needs someone up top. 
 

That said, I think Staal is going to get back to last season/playoff form come probably mid April. I do agree he’s been snake-bit and honestly looked shocked he tipped that last night. Maybe that’s the floodgate that needed to open. 

Edited February 11, 2022 by Harbingers

[Harbingers]

@Anybodyhome excellent write up. I agree completely. Hopefully I’ll get some time in the AM to toss more thoughts around.