The New York Rangers announced today that the team has traded Marc Staal and a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for future considerations.
Staal skated in 892 career games with the Rangers over 13 seasons (2007-08 – 2019-20), registering 43 goals and 145 assists for 188 points, along with a plus-46 rating and 432 penalty minutes. He ranks sixth on the franchise’s all-time games played list, trailing only Harry Howell (1,160), Brian Leetch (1,129), Rod Gilbert (1,065), Ron Greschner (981), and Walt Tkaczuk (945).
President John Davidson had the to say of the 13-year veteran,Â
“Marc Staal has been an exemplary hockey player, teammate, and person from the moment he joined the New York Rangers organization,†Rangers President and Alternate Governor John Davidson said. “A consummate professional, Marc’s perseverance and dedication to the game made him such an integral part of our organization. Marc, his wife Lindsay, and his children Anna, Emily, and Jack will always be a part of the Rangers family, and we wish them all the best going forward.â€
General manager Jeff Gorton also appreciated Staal’s time on Broadaway saying,
“I would like to thank Marc for everything he has given to the New York Rangers during his 13 seasons with the team,†Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton said. “The success we had throughout Marc’s tenure, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final, would not have been possible without his tireless efforts on and off the ice. The respect we have for Marc is immeasurable, and we wish him and his family all the best.â€
Staal served as one of the Rangers’ alternate captains for 10 seasons (2010-11 – 2019-20). Since the Rangers/NHL began to have players wear an ‘A’ on their jersey as an alternate captain during the 1985-86 season and he was one of only three players who have either worn a ‘C’ or an ‘A’ as captain or an alternate captain with the Rangers for 10 or more seasons. The only other two Rangers who have done so over the span are Brian Leetch (13 seasons – alternate captain from 1991-92 – 1996-97; 2000-01 – 2003-04, and captain from 1997-98 – 1999-00) and Mark Messier (10 seasons – captain from 1991-92 – 1996-97; 2000-01 – 2003-04).
Staal was entering the final year of his contract and was slated to make $5.7 million. He will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season.
The Thunder Bay, Ontario native was originally selected by the Rangers in the first round, 12th overall, of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.