J. Staal or Leino (REP GIVEN)

[vangregs]

Who is the best bet now and for the future?

Preojections would be appreciated.

[bondon]

Honestly I'm still not 100% sold on Leino.

I think the Penguins have kind of realized that Staal's talents were being wasted as a third line centre and if Crosby comes back its more likely than not that Staal ends up as the second line C for Malkin. I also think Staal's overall upside is higher than Leino's.

For that reason alone I'll take Staal short and long-term, though I think it could be close for this season alone.

I personally like both to be in the 55-60 point range this season but Staal's numbers to go up when Crosby returns in the future.

[Killer67]

Honestly I'm still not 100% sold on Leino.

I think the Penguins have kind of realized that Staal's talents were being wasted as a third line centre and if Crosby comes back its more likely than not that Staal ends up as the second line C for Malkin. I also think Staal's overall upside is higher than Leino's.

For that reason alone I'll take Staal short and long-term, though I think it could be close for this season alone.

I personally like both to be in the 55-60 point range this season but Staal's numbers to go up when Crosby returns in the future.

What he said, I think Staal has the potential to be a step higher than Leino.

[hockeyrulez69]

upside=Staal
now=Staal
Staal has more upside for probably every category. +/-, PIM, SOG, HITS, BS, FW and if he ends up playing 2nd line center with Malkin on a wing, you can bet better point production.

[rticinelli]

Looks like I'll be in the minority on this one, but I think Leino actually has more offensive skill and potential. I think they'll both settle into 70-something players when it's all said and done, but I like Leino's opportunity in Buffalo now better than Staal's in Pittsburgh.

[Dutch]

i am with the above poster as well.

Although Staal may be better, and more upside. His numbers will always be limited because of the crosby/malkin situation.

Therefore I will have to give it to Leino and the oppotunity he has in Buffalo.

Numbers should be close though

[dmvincent]

Jordan Staal is invaluable in the NHL, he can play tons of minutes, play on the penalty kill and chip in offensively when his team needs him. However, in fantasy his value is shot bigtime. That, and the fact that Crosby AND Malkin are ahead of him on the depth chart for centres. From everything that I have heard Leino is going to be an important part of the Sabres and play on the number one PP going forward. For now, I'll take Leino but Staal could be better if traded.

Leino this year: 65 P
Staal this year: 55 P

[DerekReese]

I think Staal will get more points. With Crosby out for a part of the season, Staal will be relied on to help out on the score sheet. He will be given lots of ice time and PP time. Leino while talented, might not get the ice time in Buf as Buf has a lot of depth scoring. They will score by committee and I dont think anyone on Buf will have a breakout year.

[Pengwin7]

Points Only League: Leino
Multi-Cat Leagues: J.Staal

[austeane]

I think that Staal has more upside but Leino is more likely to be above 55 points this season.

[Mater]

I like them both but would give the advantage to Leino, I think he will do just fine in his new surroundings.

I would say he outpoints stall by 10 this year, just a guess though.

[Contrast]

In a points only, I would take Leino, even if Staal does end up on a different team as a first line center. Otherwise, Staal is the choice for me.

[asv27]

Did you see Staal's 2nd goal the other night? The kid worked on his offense this summer and is poised for a breakout. Staal all day long.

[keytolife]

Honestly I'm still not 100% sold on Leino.

I think the Penguins have kind of realized that Staal's talents were being wasted as a third line centre and if Crosby comes back its more likely than not that Staal ends up as the second line C for Malkin. I also think Staal's overall upside is higher than Leino's.

For that reason alone I'll take Staal short and long-term, though I think it could be close for this season alone.

I personally like both to be in the 55-60 point range this season but Staal's numbers to go up when Crosby returns in the future.

Nothing to be added to the first post.