New York Rangers sign Marc Staal
The New Rangers have announced that they have signed defenseman Marc Staal to a five-year deal worth close to $20 million. Staal was a restricted free agent and the signing ensures he will be available to participate in training camp and the pre-season.
Staal was drafted 12th overall by the Rangers in the first round of the 2005 National Hockey League entry draft. After being drafted Staal was sent back to the Ontario Hockey League to play his final season with the Sudbury Wolves. The youngster
had a strong final year with the club, posting 11 goals and 49 points in 57 games. The follow season Staal joined the Rangers for his first full season in the League. Last season was Staal’s third with the club.
Staal is a major cog in the Rangers defence as he has worked his way up to the first pairing in just three years with the team. The Rangers defence core is split in half between young promising players and aging overpaid defenders. At only 23 years old Staal
is perhaps the best young player in the organization.
Staal is not known for his flashy offensive play but rather for his reliability and sound play in his own end. The Ontario native made a name for himself as a top shutdown guy, going plus-11 on a poor defensive club last season. New York will also be hoping
that Staal will continue to develop offensively and become a mainstay on the team’s power play unit.
The Staal signing was a good deal for general manager Glen Sather, as the prized youngster averages roughly $4 million over the next five seasons. Nevertheless, the contract puts the Rangers $4 million over the cap; meaning they will have to make some moves
before the season begins in October.
Last season with the Rangers Staal tallied eight goals and 19 assists for 27 points.
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