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Hypothetical analysis explores Penguins' future with Jordan Staal

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 10:00 AM

Last updated Jun 11, 2026

Hypothetical analysis explores Penguins' future with Jordan Staal

Summary

A recent discussion explores how the Pittsburgh Penguins might have evolved had they retained Jordan Staal, who was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in 2012. Staal rejected a 10-year contract offer from Pittsburgh, leading to the trade occurring on his wedding night. The analysis considers the financial implications of Staal's potential contract on the Penguins' roster and their overall success between 2013 and 2018. Major figures like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin would have also faced salary cap implications had Staal remained with the team. The discussion emphasizes the complexities of roster management within the constraints of the NHL salary cap during that era.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Jordan Staal was traded to Carolina in 2012 after declining a contract.
•Staal's potential cap hit would have significantly impacted team finances.
•Crosby and Malkin's contracts would complicate Penguins' roster decisions.
•Staal's presence might have altered key acquisitions like Brendan Morrow.
•The analysis reflects on team dynamics during the 2013-2018 seasons.

Latest Updates

10:00 AMYahoo Sports — What would the Penguins have looked like if they could have kept Jordan Staal?

What they're saying

"
In hockey, as in life, the game of what if’s can go just about any direction possible. By now the story about the end of Jordan Staal’s stint with the Penguins is fairly famous since it gets repeated just about nightly on national hockey telecasts. Which, hey, why not, since it is such a colorful […]
— Yahoo Sports

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Carolina Hurricanes Pittsburgh Penguins Vegas Golden Knights NHL Hockey