Staal Finally Back At Practice
CANONSBURG, Pa. (AP) Penguins forward Jordan Staal is practicing with the team for the first time since May.
Staal was unable to work out all summer because of recurring infections in his right foot that developed after a tendon was severed during a second-round playoff game against Montreal. The infections required multiple operations to remove tissue and forced Staal to remain off his skates for nearly five months.
Staal resumed skating last week, when the team said he needed additional conditioning work and practicing before he could play again. The Penguins haven't set a timetable for his return.
Staal was a finalist last season for the Selke Trophy, given to the NHL's best two-way defenseman. Until this month, Staal had not missed a regular-season game due to injury during his five-season career.
