Competition at the forward position to keep a roster spot is heating up

For some Penguins forwards, earning a roster spot out of camp was just the first step and the real battle to keep a full-time spot is now under-way as Jordan Staal (foot) and Arron Asham (shoulder) are slowly working their way back to full health.

Asham is progressing from a shoulder injury and is expected to return to the lineup in about 2-3 weeks. Asham is slated to be focal point on the Penguins third line with Matt Cooke.

Meanwhile, Staal is slowly inching back to health and barring a setback, should be on track to return to the lineup in 4-to-6 weeks.

The Penguins are currently carrying 13 forwards and in all likelyhood, two forwards will have to go when both Asham and Staal return.

Assuming there are no long-term injuries at the forward position during this time period, players whose spots could be in jeopardy when Asham and Staal get back, have about a three-to-six week window to solidify their spot with the team.

Here's a look at five players on the hot seat:

1. Eric Tangradi | 4GP-0G-1A-1PTS-(-2)-14:13 ATOI

Analysis: Despite a strong pre-season, the 21 year old forward would have begun the season with the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League, if Arron Asham didn't suffer a shoulder injury and placed on injured reserve.

Not being eligible for waivers, Tangradi remains a prime candidate to be sent down when the Penguins get their roster at full health.

Tangradi enters a crucial couple of weeks and will need to solidify his spot on the roster as a top-9 player. He needs to make it impossible for the Penguins to send him back down as there is still a thought that he could use some seasoning in the minors.

2. Mike Comrie | 3GP-0G-0A-0PTS-(-1)-16:20 ATOI

Analysis: The Penguins have little commitment to Comrie who is on a one year contract worth $500,000.

A healthy scratch against the Leafs on Wednesday night, if Comrie doesn't solidify a spot on one of the top-2 lines, his spot on the roster could become in jeopardy when Staal and Asham get back.

He doesn't kill penalties which also hurts his cause of staying in the lineup over the likes of others who provide versatility, if he continues to struggle offensively.