Staal set to miss the start of camp

NHLHS Pittsburgh Penguins Correspondent Robbie Naugle takes a look at the foot injury that could force Jordan Staal to miss some time in camp.

In a little under two weeks the Pittsburgh Penguins will report to training camp to being to prepare for their 2010-2011 season. When the team reports on September 18 they will be missing one key player. It was announced earlier this week that center Jordan Staal will miss the beginning of Penguins’ training camp after it was determined that he developed an infection in his foot. The infection affected a surgically repaired area of his foot that was operated on this past offseason.

Staal suffered his initial foot injury in Game 1 of the Penguins’ Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the Montreal Canadiens when Staal collided with Montreal defenseman P.K. Subban, lacerating a tendon in Staal’s foot. Staal underwent emergency surgery to repair the tendon and missed the next two games of the series. When he returned in Game 4 he wore a protective boot to shield the area.

During the offseason Staal underwent a second procedure on his foot. It was later discovered that an infection had developed in the area which will force him to miss the beginning of training camp. It is unclear if Staal will be able to participate in any preseason practice or games. Penguins’ General Manager Ray Shero released a statement that said Staal should be healthy enough for the October 7 season opener against Philadelphia.

Staal later said in an interview that he hopes to participate in training camp once his foot is healed and is aiming to be ready for the season opener.