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New York Rangers: Five Rangers with the most to lose this season.

By Michael Delasandro

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 07: Pavel Buchnevich #89 of the New York Rangers skates the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers on April 7, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 07: Pavel Buchnevich #89 of the New York Rangers skates the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers on April 7, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 07: New York Rangers Defenceman Marc Staal (18) shoots in the second period during the game between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers on April 07, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 07: New York Rangers Defenceman Marc Staal (18) shoots in the second period during the game between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers on April 07, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Marc Staal

Perhaps one of the largest defensive pariahs on the New York Rangers the past few years has been Marc Staal.

Since the harrowing eye injury Staal suffered in 2013, his play has declined at a slow and painful rate.

Right after the injury, Staal seemingly had a very difficult time readjusting. Putting up only three points more in nearly 50 more games in 2013-14.

His play statistically declined, but his overall physicality and speed of play also declined notably. Understandably, Staal took on a less physical role, and his offense seemed to wilt as well. The eye injury followed a concussion shortened season in 2011-12.

Staal has been somewhat unreliable in regards to positioning defensively and offensively. However, if he does turn around his game in both of those fields, he may be a serviceable defenseman.

Unfortunately, if Staal cannot right the ship, he may be the victim of yet another buyout from the Rangers.

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