New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal reveals concussion related problems, out till season opener
Throughout the 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) offseason, there was not any news New York Rangers defenseman, Marc Staal, facing concussion related problems until recently. The team announced that the young defender will not be taking part in training
camp and any other practices until the regular season begins.
New York regarded his condition still uncertain as he is still having headaches, which could grow instead of diminishing if they decide on playing the 24-year-old.
Rangers' head coach, John Tortorella, addressed the issue after Staal was not found to be playing on the ice with his teammates after the team began their preseason practices on Saturday.
"He's progressing nicely", NY head coach, John Tortorella, said. "We just want to be cautious and get him ready for the regular season. The past four days he's feeling better during workouts. We want him to feel better consistently. He could have contact.
We're holding him out. In the summertime, when he was ramping up his workouts, he started feeling it".
Marc Staal had taken a hit from his brother, Carolina Hurricanes captain, Eric Staal, during the last regular season and returned on-the-ice after missing only three games to continue playing the remainder of the season. It was learned that during the summer
offseason, Marc Staal began to face continuous issues which ultimately led to being regarded as concussion problems.
Older brother, Eric Staal, certainly was not happy on hearing the news.
"It (stinks). It's not fun for him or fun for me", Eric told the Raleigh News and Observer. "It's difficult. It's difficult for me and difficult for him. It's one of those situations that's kind of scary”.
For New York Rangers, Staal is a vital part of their franchise as he is currently serving as the clubs alternate captain alongside newly acquired centre, Brad Richards.
Last season, Staal potted a career high of 29 points (7 goals, 22 assists) in 77 games, a record which could have easily been extending by playing all 82-games.
Hopefully, Marc Staal is expected to perform in New York’s exhibition games and if not, fans can await his return during the regular season opener.
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