Jordan Staal will no longer be playing in the shadows of Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby as he enters his first year with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Analysis: Staal’s biggest fantasy problem with the Pens was that he is an elite two-way center on a team with elite offensive centers. He did not see much time on the top power play unit during his six years in Pittsburgh but that changes with his arrival in Carolina. Jordan should be paired with his brother Eric on Carolina’s first line(unless the Ruutu injury changes things) which will translate into more time on ice and more power play opportunities this season. Another negative(in terms of fantasy numbers) is that Jordan Staal was the top center on Pittsburgh’s penalty killing unit, but in Carolina his minutes on the penalty kill will decrease a bit.
Jordan Staal will continue to be solid in the goals and plus/minus departments but playing with an elite forward like Eric he will see a boost in his assist total this year. Jordan has yet to post a single 30 assist season but he just may come close this year in a significantly shortened season. In addition to the assists expect a big increase in his shot total and power play points which will make him a legit top twenty fantasy center.