NHL: Staal’s love of playing in Pittsburgh to play “huge factor” in decision to sign?

Early indications out of Penguin circles from an “expectations” standpoint is that it’s going to be a longshot that the team would have Jordan Staal locked up to a new deal before the start of next season.

While there are some factors that will work against the Penguins in talks from more money being out there in the open market to a bigger offensive role elsewhere, one factor in the Penguins end is that Staal truly loves playing here.

“I’m very happy being here in Pittsburgh, playing with these guys and I love playing here, so we’ll see what the future holds, ” Staal said today.

Staal indicated one incentive to stay is that players who left in the past, have regretted it afterwards.

“Just being here, talking to a lot of guys that came and left, they’ve always had a soft spot for Pittsburgh and they loved playing here, ” Staal said on an incentive not to test open market. “I love being here and I love the guys in the room, and that’s a huge factor for myself.”

Staal who sources say is expected to command a six to seven year deal worth $7-$7.5 million, said today the more offensive opportunities with Sid out led to a jump in his offensive numbers this season.

“Personally, I felt I had a very good season, ” Staal said. “A bit jump offensively, getting the opportunities when Sid was out, played a lot more offensively {with Sid out} and points went up and that was great and it was a lot of fun this season.

Staal’s agent Paul Krepelka told Inside Pittsburgh Sports.com in early March that Staal would soon be one of the premier two-way centermen in the game, calling Staal a franchise center. “As Jordan continues to mature both as an individual and a player, he will become one of the, if not the, premier two-way centerman in the game, ” Paul Krepelka, said at the time. “He possesses all the characteristics you would desire in a franchise centerman, ” Krepelka said of Staal.

While the rumor mill will be buzzing all summer about Staal, don’t expect him to be checking the internet much, at least that’s what he says.

“I don’t really have internet in my cottage anyways, ” Staal said when asked if he intends to avoid the internet this summer.