Staal

Shero decided not to let Staal play in the World Juniors. I haven’t seen the kid play enough to make real judgments. I think the things I worry and wonder about are possibly the same things that might give Shero nightmares.

If Staal is twenty years old, and it’s two years later and he’s had more development time, is he shining the way Malkin is now (although he is a very different player than is Malkin)?

What is best for the kid’s development to be a phenomenal two-way NHL center, in the mode, perhaps, dare I dream, of a Ron Francis?

In any case, Shero is the Pens’ GM. From not letting Staal play in the World Junior, I’m concluding he’s made the decision that 1). The NHL will help Staal to develop far more than the World Juniors ever could. 2). Staal is too important a piece to the Pens to lose in the middle of the season.

If Shero and Therrien, along with others, have correctly decided that the NHL is where Staal’s development can best occur, bravo.

As a fan, believe me, I understand the secondary consideration. Yet, as much it sucks, that consideration has to remain secondary. The Pens aren’t winning the Cup this year. How is Jordan Staal best going to be prepared to help them win the Cup when the Pens’ time does come? That’s the question that has to be answered, and it has to continue to be answered throughout the year.