[Witty title to be hired]

Initial reaction: I screamed, then I almost started crying.

I was devastated when I heard that Jordan Staal was being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes. It’s a big decision to turn down a 10-year contract; it wasn’t easy for him. Personally, I don’t see it as being disrespectful, even though I wish that he accepted the deal. Knowing that he wanted to stay for at least another year makes it harder to accept that he’s leaving.

Now that it’s sunk in, I’ve become happier and happier for him. We Pens fans know that his work ethic and determination is incredible and inspiring. He’s called an Iron Man for a reason. I can only hope that his skills will translate well to the Canes. I will miss him SO MUCH, but I can’t wait to see all of the great things that he still has ahead of him.

Current reaction: He’ll always be my favorite player in the NHL. I wish him the best of luck in all that he’ll do from here onward!


Bottom Line: I’m still am, and always will be, so proud of Jordan Staal.

staalsby:

I keep seeing people calling this article here brilliant and what not. I disagree. I think the article is a piece of shit.

I don’t understand how what Staal did is considered disrespectful. Yeah, the money and years he was offered were amazing, but he wasn’t guaranteed more ice time and a bigger role, something that he obviously wanted. What good is 10 years and $60 million if you’re not playing as much as you want to?

It’s hard to keep a player like Staal down to such few minutes. We’ve seen him. He’s like a little boy when he’s on the ice. He loves to play, and would love to play more minutes and have a bigger role on the team. Unfortunately, when playing second fiddle to Crosby and Malkin, that’s almost impossible (note: I am NOT blaming them once so ever).

Turning down that offer from the Penguins wasn’t a sign of disrespect. Staal wanted to do what was best for him, and playing on another team, where he is almost guaranteed a bigger role, was the answer.

It wasn’t for more money or something. It was because he wanted to play more, and hopefully breakout from the shadow that he’s been in almost his entire life.

It’s not like the Penguins are going to suffer without him. We’re still good.

So, yeah. To see all this disrespectful nonsense is pissing me off. There was no disrespect. It was a mutual decision and was the best for all parties involved. Staal gets to play with his brother and get a bigger role on a new team, while the Pens clear up millions in cap space and get some pieces that we need (*cough*a winger for Sid*cough*).

This, ladies and gentlemen, is what you get if you dare insult Jordan Staal in front of me.  

^THIS.

THANK YOU. You are a wonderful human being.