When the Penguins signed center Mike Comrie two weeks ago I questioned if maybe Jordan Staal‘s injury was a little worse than they’ve been letting out. Training camp opens tomorrow and the Penguins today announced that Staal will not be starting the regular season with the Penguins and that he would be returning to the lineup around the end of October because of a re-occurring infection on his foot.
This will end up having repercussions throughout the Penguins lineup. Staal was expected to possibly be a center on a line with Malkin and someone will also have to fill in for Staal killing Penalties. Mike Comrie could easily be slid into Staal’s spot as third line center until his return, but that would negate all of the changes the Penguins had hoped to make this off season. On the bright side this will also open up a chance for Eric Tangradi to prove he’s ready to be in the big leagues.
Additional reading:
Penguins Adjust with Staal Expected to Miss Start of Regular Season
Penguins Sign Center Mike Comrie
