Penguins sign Jordan Staal to entry level deal

 

Jordan Staal and Kristopher Letang made the Pittsburgh Penguins’ opening day roster Monday, joining with Sidney Crosby to give the rebuilding team a franchise-first three teens on the roster.

Staal, who turned 18 last month, was the No. 2 pick in the June draft and still could wind up playing most of the season with the OHL’s Peterborough Petes in junior. But with Malkin likely to miss the first few games of the season, the 6-4, 215-pound Staal gives the Penguins depth, size and a scoring threat at centre until Malkin returns.

“I hope I can be here for years to come,” said Staal, the younger brother of Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes star Eric Staal and prospect Marc Staal of the New York Rangers.

For now, his service time may last only a few weeks, or until the Penguins determine if he is in over his head.

Staal had 28 goals and 40 assists in 68 games last season for Peterborough while Letang had 25 goals and 43 assists in 60 games for Val d’Or of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.