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New York Rangers stock market: The pre-draft edition

By Victoria Ranieri

BOSTON - OCTOBER 9: Boston University ice hockey head coach Coach David Quinn speaks with team on October 9, 2013. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 9: Boston University ice hockey head coach Coach David Quinn speaks with team on October 9, 2013. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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NEWARK, NJ – APRIL 03: New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal (18) skates during the first period of the National Hockey League Game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers on April 3, 2018, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ – APRIL 03: New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal (18) skates during the first period of the National Hockey League Game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers on April 3, 2018, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Down: Marc Staal

Marc Staal’s days as a top pairing defenseman are coming to an end.

Staal has been in decline for quite a few seasons now. His defensive abilities are lacking and he has next to zero offensive upside. Even though his abilities have diminished, he has still been treated as a defenseman who can handle top line minutes by both Vigneault and the rest of the coaching staff.

During the 2016 playoffs, Staal and then Ranger Nick Holden were given top line minutes and responsibilities. Though neither had the ability to keep up with the competition, this didn’t stop them from being played as if they could. Inevitably, their poor play led to the Rangers’ demise in 6 games.Since these playoffs, Staal has remained in a steady decline. While he managed to play semi decently at the start of the year, it wasn’t exactly good enough to be the Rangers’ saving grace.

David Quinn’s accountability comes back into play with Staal. If his caliber of play is not up to par, he will probably not play. If he even makes it to next season that is. The possibility of buying out Staal’s contract is looming, and would probably be the best possible outcome in the situation. This would fre up a roster spot and a bit of cap space, and would make it so that Quinn would not have to bench or scratch the long tenured Ranger.

Whatever happens, it’s not looking good for Staal’s stock. However, it will hopefully be a step in the right direction for the Rangers as a whole.

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