Staal Still Not Ready to Practice
Pittsburgh, PA – Penguins forward Jordan Staal is wearing a protective boot on his injured right foot and is not yet close to being able to skate or practice.
The Penguins’ initial estimate that one of the NHL’s best two-way forwards would return by late October might be overly optimistic, and it could be well into the season before Staal returns.
Staal, a finalist for the Selke Trophy last season, injured a tendon when Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban’s skate cut through the top of his foot during the second round of the playoffs. Staal returned later in the series but subsequently developed an infection that prevented him from working out all summer. Teammates said Staal had five medical procedures during the offseason to treat the injury and infection.