There were several occasions in the 2007-08 season when it was suggested -- recommended, even -- by some segments of their fan base that the Penguins give serious thought to trading Jordan Staal.

The apparent logic, if it can be described that way: Staal's offensive output was down significantly from his first year in the NHL and, with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin on the payroll, how many good young centers did the Penguins really need?

Such rationale ignored a couple of pretty obvious truths -- like how Staal's 29 goals as a rookie exceeded anything he had done in junior hockey, how his niche was decidedly different from those filled by Crosby and Malkin and how he'll complete two NHL seasons months before celebrating his 20th birthday -- and one that wasn't nearly as obvious.

"No one has ever called about him," general manager Ray Shero said. "Tell Jordan there's no interest in him around the league. Why would there be [interest in him]?"

Now, it's hard to say whether Shero was serious -- he has earned a reputation for honesty in his first two years on the job, but his deadpan delivery when discussing Staal was more than a little suspicious -- but, if other teams haven't tried to pry Staal away from him, it's only because they realize it would be pointless.

He has too many assets, too much promise, for the Penguins to part with him in anything shy of an epic transaction. While no player is completely safe from being moved -- unless, of course, he has a no-trade clause and is committed to invoking it under any circumstances -- shopping Staal isn't going to appear on Shero's to-do list anytime soon.

For as valuable and effective as Staal has proven to be in his current role centering the third line, his teammates and bosses believe he has the potential to develop into a top-six forward.

"I think so, for sure," Shero said. "He's too smart, too big, too powerful. You could put him anywhere you want.

"He could move up in the lineup, he could move to the wing if he has to. At the end of the day, he'll hopefully help your team win hockey games."

For now, that mostly entails playing well defensively. He had one point, a third-period goal in Game 3, in the Penguins' opening-round sweep of Ottawa, but his primary responsibilities for now are killing penalties and playing well in his end.

Some of the qualities that allow him to do that effectively -- his reach, for example, and his strength -- are hard to miss. Others need a bit closer scrutiny.

"He's so mature for his age," said left winger Jarkko Ruutu, his linemate of late. "For a lot of people, it's hard to see the little things he does right, especially defensively."

Whether it's Staal's hockey sense or training, or a combination, he generally gets himself in good position and makes smart decisions with and without the puck

Fact is, the Penguins are adamant that, even though his offensive output dropped from 42 points in 2006-07 to 28 this season, Staal is contributing more to their success now than he did as a rookie. By a considerable margin.

"You look at his numbers offensively, this year compared to last year, they're not the same, but we believe he's a much better player this year than he was last year," coach Michel Therrien said. "And he's going to be better next year. You can't always judge a player with numbers."

Staal, understandably, wasn't happy that his personal stats dropped, because even the most defensive-minded player enjoys scoring. He did not, however, allow any frustration he expected offensively to spill over to other facets of his game.

"I was just trying to help the team," Staal said. "It seemed like we kept winning, so it wasn't a real big deal for any of us. I was just trying to focus on my defense game and, hopefully, the offense will come."

The Penguins point out that Staal doesn't try to force offense -- "He doesn't cheat defensively," Ruutu said. "He takes what's given to [him]" -- and they, like Staal, seem convinced he'll settle in on a first or second line at some point.

"I hope so," Staal said. "I can do it. Right now, there are a lot of great players on this team.

"I'm only 19 years old. I have to keep working on my game and getting better."

He certainly has time. And every reason to believe he'll continue doing it as a member of the Penguins.

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NOTES -- Penguins officials report selling out approximately 4,200 tickets for Games 1 and 2 of their second-round series in 10 minutes. ... Center Kevin Veilleux, the Penguins' second-round draft choice in June, signed an amateur tryout contract with their American Hockey League affiliate in Wilkes-Barre.