"Jordan Staal stuck in the NHL mere weeks after his 18th birthday in large part because he displayed a level of defensive excellence some centers never reach.

Now in his sixth season, Staal, just 23, might have raised his offensive play to the same level.

"He's so responsible in the defensive end," Penguins teammate Matt Cooke said. "As he matures, he's become more of a complete offensive player. He relied a lot on pure strength and speed initially in his career, and now he has a better understanding for the offensive part of the game.

"He's shown that when he's played this year."

Staal is third on the team with 15 goals and eighth with 21 points despite missing 20 games. When the Penguins play Winnipeg at 2 p.m. today at Consol Energy Center, Staal is scheduled to return from a 15-game absence caused by a left knee injury

He primarily will play with Cooke and Pascal Dupuis as his wingers, although coach Dan Bylsma said he might make a switch at times to give Staal's line more offensive punch. Bylsma said Staal will play upward of 15 minutes, including time on the No. 2 power-play unit, but might not step right back into the physically demanding role of being one of the top penalty-killers."