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New York Rangers Report Cards Round Two: The Defense

By Garrett Gartino

Oct 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Adam Clendening (4) looks to pass the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Adam Clendening (4) looks to pass the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 8, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal (18) warms up prior to the game against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal (18) warms up prior to the game against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports /

Marc Staal

Previous Grade: C+

Marc Staal’s return to form still has not come to fruition. For the second season in a row, Staal has seen his play decline at both ends of the ice. However, he continues to be one of Alain Vigneault’s most trusted options, playing the 3rd most minute per game among Rangers defenseman.

Through 53 games this season, Staal has recorded three goals and five assists, one goal and two assists coming in the 23 games since his last report card.

The veteran defenseman is still used as one of the Rangers’ primary penalty killers, but that unit has seen their effectiveness dwindle as the season has grown older.

Next: New York Rangers Report Cards Round Two: Returning Forwards

We will always wonder what could have been of Marc Staal’s career had he avoided the eye injury sustained in 2013. For now, the Rangers will have to be content with the 2017 version of Marc Staal that they have.

New Grade: C-

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