Staal back on the Ice

[jds 20]

Penguins' injured F Jordan Staal practising for first time since foot injury

The Associated Press

CANONSBURG, Pa. - Penguins forward Jordan Staal is practising with the team for the first time since May.

Staal was unable to work out all summer because of recurring infections in his right foot that developed after a tendon was severed during a second-round playoff game against Montreal. The infections required multiple operations to remove tissue and forced Staal to remain off his skates for nearly five months.

Staal resumed skating last week, when the team said he needed additional conditioning work and practising before he could play again. The Penguins haven't set a timetable for his return.

Staal was a finalist last season for the Selke Trophy, given to the NHL's best two-way defenceman. Until this month, Staal had not missed a regular-season game due to injury during his five-season career.

[Neal 41]

This a new definition of the Selke:

the Selke Trophy, given to the NHL's best two-way defenceman

Good to see J. Staal will be back, I wonder how long it will take him to get his legs back. I could see him being impacted all year long. 5 months without skating and without your normal workout will make a big difference in your skating ability.

[tro 4]

Well that's bad luck

Penguins center Jordan Staal will undergo surgery tomorrow to repair a fractured right hand and could miss up to six weeks, it was announced by Executive Vice President and General Manager Ray Shero.

[Fire0nIce228 1]

Well at the very least Pens fans can take solace in the fact that his foot should be 100% ready and that with this new injury there is no way they're rushing him back from the tendon thing.

Still though, seriously shitty luck. He was so eager to get back.