Marc Staal, a 37-year old defenceman, has decided to call it a career. Today, Marc Staal retires from the NHL after 17 seasons in the league. The 12th overall draft pick from 2005 will now be a player development assistant for the New York Rangers.
Congratulations Marc on a great career! Thrilled to have you back and looking forward to your next chapter as #NYR Player Development Assistant. pic.twitter.com/8nv5SnlyIH
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 5, 2024
Marc Staal Retires After 17 Seasons
Rookie Season And Brotherly Battle
Staal made his NHL debut with the Rangers in the 2007-08 season. He registered 10 points and established himself as a reliable defender. He notched the game-winning goal in Game 4 of the series against the New Jersey Devils. The win gave the Ranger a 3-1 series lead. They would eliminate the Devils in Game 5.
When the Rangers faced the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round, Staal would be playing against a familiar face. Jordan Staal, Marc’s younger brother, and the Penguins defeated the Rangers en route to an appearance in the Stanley Cup Final.
A Constant In The Rangers Lineup
Staal spent 13 seasons in the Big Apple and was a regular in the Rangers lineup. The least amount of games he played in a season was 21 in the 2012-13, in a season that was shortened via the lockout.
In the 2013-14 season, he would help the Rangers reach their first Stanley Cup Final in 20 years. Unfortunately for Marc, the Rangers would fall to the Los Angeles Kings in five games.
His offensive numbers with the Rangers were always modest each season. On the other hand, Staal’s defensive presence on the ice was a big part of the Rangers success. In September of 2020, Staal was traded to the Detroit Red Wings.
Personal Milestones And Teammates With Brother
The veteran spent two seasons with the Red Wings. Like in New York, he put up modest numbers on offence, but was a presence on defence.
On March 12, 2022, Marc played in his 1,000 NHL game. In doing so, he, Eric, and Jordan became the first trio of brothers in the NHL to play in 1,000 games.
Staal signed with the Florida Panthers for the 2022-23 season. Marc would be joined by his brother, Eric. The brothers would be part of the Panthers reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the just the second time in franchise history. The Panthers fell in five games to the Vegas Golden Knights.
He spent last season with the Philadelphia Flyers. Staal only played in 35 games due to early-season injuries. He, along with newly-acquired defenceman Erik Johnson, would be thrust into bigger roles on the Flyers defence. The Flyers would remain in playoff contention until the final day of the regular season.
Main photo by: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
