Staal for Johnson Rumor Back Again

Eklund over at http://www.hockeybuzz.com/ broke this news last night. This was a major story heading into the NHL Entry Draft this past summer. The Penguins would get a stud defensive prospect in Jack Johnson, and the Carolina Hurricanes would get the chance to unite sibling pivots in Eric and Jordan Staal. In the end the deal never materialized and the Pens had a logjam down the middle with Crosby and Malkin already in the fold. After the draft Ray Shero stated that he did not draft Staal to trade him, and that he was a big part of the future in Pittsburgh, even stating in a post draft interview that the two would win a Stanley Cup together.

Not sure why this would be on the table again. The deal didn't happen 2 months ago, what makes it more attractive to either side now? Granted, the Evgeni Malkin situation was even cloudier than it is now, but the Penguins knew they would have him at some point. The team is not "stacked" with defensive talent, but their cupboard is not completely bare either. Jack Johnson, a good buddy of Sidney Crosby's, would look great in the Black and Vegas Gold, but why now? I wouldn't be disappointed if this deal were to happen, but I am not sure that in the end it will.

There were rumors that Carolina was unhappy about Johnson not joining them for their run at the Cup last spring, but I can't see that being a major factor in trading away a big piece of your future to get the younger brother of one of your stars. Especially one that might not be thrilled to be in the shadow of his brother, something that he tried hard to get out of during his draft process. We will see what happens in the coming days, but as of now I think the probability is low.