C Jordan Staal

Besides the top two gems of centers the Penguins have in Crosby and Malkin, the Penguins also have another gem for a center in Jordan Staal. Staal came out like a gang-buster in his rookie season scoring 29 goals and scored the most short-handed goals ever by a rookie. Though last season his play went down significantly as he suffered what is called a “Sophomore Slump”.  Though he didn’t have nearly as good year of a year as he did in his rookie season, he started to improve game by game in the second half and was solid throughout the playoffs. Expect Staal to possibly play more on the wing this season as he was productive on Malkin’s line last year.

Career Stats: 71 points, 41 goals, 30 assists

Pittsburgh Penguins: 71 points, 41 goals, 30 assists

2008/2009 Season Stats: 1 point, 0 goals, 1 assist