Jordan Staal: Day One to Game 1,000 by Michael Smith @MSmithCanes / Hurricanes.com
When the puck drops on Monday night at PNC Arena, Jordan Staal will log his 1,000th career game in the National Hockey League.
With some help from teammates, coaches and more, here s a journey back through Staal s career, from day one to game No. 1,000.
June 24, 2006: Pittsburgh Selects Staal 2nd Overall in 2006 NHL Entry Draft
Eric Staal was selected second overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Two years later, the New York Rangers selected Marc Staal 12th overall. A year later, the Pittsburgh Penguins selected Jordan Staal with the second overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft in Vancouver.
3. San Francisco 49ers (from Houston Texans via Miami Dolphins) – Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State: The real mystery of the draft begins here, as it s anyone s guess as to whether coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch favor Fields, Alabama s Mac Jones or North Dakota State s Trey Lance. For as much buzz as there has been around Jones for this spot, Fields still sizes up as the best and most reasonable option. Armed with pinpoint accuracy and an aggressive-but-calculated mindset, he can unlock new dimensions for Shanahan while still playing under control.
4. Atlanta Falcons – Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida: Let the trade speculation begin. With two of the top remaining quarterback prospects still set to be on the board here, the Falcons can try to find the highest bidder if they re not determined to grab one of the passers – he likely would be bound to sit behind Matt Ryan for two years – for themselves. If Atlanta holds tight, however, it might be drawn to Pitts, the rare tight end w