Post concussion syndrome has struck again in the NHL, taking out another star player.
John Tortorella, coach of the New York Rangers, announced today that All-Star Defenceman Marc Staal suffered a concussion on February 22nd of last year after a hit from his brother. He missed 3 games back then but passed his baseline tests and returned to the lineup.
In the tradition of true NHL Injury Secrecy, the Rangers reported that Staal’s absence at the time was due to the flu.
Now we have Staal suffering post concussion symptoms in summer training and he is being listed as out for the Preseason, but hopeful to play in the Rangers first preseason game on October 7.
However, given the uncertainty with concussion recovery… this is optomistic speculation at best.
It would be a big blow if the Rangers lose their number 1 dman for a significant stretch. In general the Rangers D is talented but really lacks significant experience if Staal is not healthy.