Once again, the steady decline of Marc Staal was on display for the 2017-18 season. He is only a fraction of the player he used to be, and the Rangers are worse because of it. However, he plays a valuable role in the team’s now young defensive group.
The 2017-18 season was a lot of the same for New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal. Now, at 31 years old signs of aging are apparent, and his on-ice production is becoming a detriment. Just a look at the surface level will show Staal’s inefficiencies.
For the 11th consecutive season, Staal suited up as a member of the Rangers defensive group. His reputation has changed drastically over that span. Once regarded as a potential top-tier blue liner, serious injuries and poor deployment have led to Staal’s overall decline.
Coming into the season, Staal was the black sheep of sorts for the New York Rangers defense. Fellow veteran blue liner and assistant captain Dan Girardi was bought out, and the front office seemed to be looking for takers for Staal.
In 72 games this season, Staal registered just eight points, along with one goal. His usage in the defensive zone provided no help to his offensive output, where he started 62.6% of his shifts. On the season, Staal was on-ice for 54 goals for and 63 goals against. Unsurprisingly, he was a poor generator of possession with a 43.1 Corsi.
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Finding the positives
For what its worth, Staal’s availability proved to be the most valuable asset he wields. Among the defensemen, only Brady Skjei (82) appeared in more games.
Throughout the entire rebuild process, Staal was there alongside his teammates trying to make an impact. Much like fellow veteran Henrik Lundqvist, Staal’s commitment to the team was never in question.
On breakup day, Staal was among the few Rangers with a long face. After so many years of success in the NHL, missing the postseason is unfamiliar to Marc Staal.
All that being said, there still may be a silver lining to Staal’s season. The departure of veterans and captains Ryan McDonagh and Rick Nash created a void of veteran leadership to the Rangers roster.
Sports fans, and Rangers fans, in particular, are quick to judge a player based on his salary. Unfortunately, it would be wrong to assume players would value themselves any lower than what a team is willing to pay them. Marc Staal and his $5.7 million cap hit are prime candidates for condemnation.
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It will be interesting to see if there is a place for Staal on a Rangers team very much in transition. One way or the other, it looks likely that his tenure under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden is coming to an end. Hopefully, he can be remembered for his best seasons and not ones like 2017-18.