Listen To Uncle Ray, Children
Don't worry, Staalsy.
In just one interview, Ray Shero has told the media to sit down and shut up when it comes to Jordan Staal. Well, not in those exact words, but you know what I mean.
On Twitter this morning, Dave Molinari, Penguins beat writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, posted bits of an interview with the Penguins GM. Shero says that while teams have called and asked about Staal, he tells them all the same thing: that he wants, and hopes, to re-sign the forward. He also says that the Penguins have not put him on the trading block, and that Staal has not expressed interest in playing anywhere else.
Shero also said there is no rush to re-sign both Staal and Sidney Crosby. Both have one more year left on their contracts and can sign an extension after July 1st.
In other interesting news, Shero said that he is expecting to trade a defenseman “or two” before the start of the new season, but refused to say if he was asked to waive no-trade contracts.
Shero expects to talk to Arron Asham and Steve Sullivan’s agents to see what kind of contracts they are looking for. Asham has expressed interest in staying a Penguin, and Sullivan’s agent has said that he absolutely wants to continue playing in the NHL next year. Shero has said they both have been good players for the Penguins.
When it comes to restricted free agents, the Penguins are expected to give qualifying offers to Matt Niskanen, Eric Tangradi, Robert Bortuzzo, Brian Strait, Keven Veilleux, Alex Grant, and Carl Sneep. Should they choose not to accept, they will become restricted free agents on July 1st. Alex Picard, Casey Pierro-Zabotel, Mattias Modig or Boris Valabik are not expected to get offers and will become restricted free agents on July 1st.
Thank God for this news, especially on Staal, because it was getting quite annoying hearing everyone and their mothers give their worthless $0.02 on what they believe was going to happen. I have no doubt in my mind that Shero knows what he is doing, and that he will do what he believes is the best thing for our team.
Black Tie Required 