Marc Staal is coming back to his home franchise as a member of the Blue Line staff.
The Rangers’ 2005 first-round draft choice who appeared in 892 games for the New York Rangers for over 13 years while wearing the coveted Blueshirt is rejoining the franchise as a development coach. The Rangers made the announcement on Sept. 5, 2024.
This relates to Staal’s retirement for his playing career at age 37. He played last season for the Flyers following one season with Florida and two with the Red Wings after his trade to Detroit prior to his last season with the Rangers.
Congratulations Marc on a great career! Thrilled to have you back and looking forward to your next chapter as #NYR Player Development Assistant. pic.twitter.com/8nv5SnlyIH
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 5, 2024
It is believed Staal’s role will be to work with defensemen at Hartford of the American Hockey League and throughout the organization.
Staal played 1,136 regular-season NHL games and 128 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs over 17 seasons. He reunited with former Rangers' coach John Tortorella with the Philadelphia Flyers last season and played 35 games to finish out his playing career.
Two seasons ago, Staal played all 82 games — and 21 in the postseason — to assist the Florida Panthers reach the Stanley Cup Final. They were evenutally defeated by the Vegas Golden Knights. It was the second Cup Final in Staal’s career.
Previously, the Canada native helped the Rangers reach the 2014 Stanley Cup Final, for his first appearance in the Stanley Cup Final of his career.
In addition to this Cup Final appearance, he helped the Rangers reach the Eastern Conference Final in 2012, 2014 and 2015. In 2015, they also won the Presidents' Trophy.
Though known mostly for his stout defensive play, Staal scored an insane goal during the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. It quickly became one of the most memorable playoff wins in franchise history.
Coming from a hockey family, the Rangers selected Marc as the No. 12 pick of the 2005 NHL Draft. He was a lineup regular from 2007-20. His 892 regular-season games played are the sixth most in Rangers history and fourth among defensemen.
Before this announcement, the 2019-20 season was Staal's last with the Rangers. As previously mentioned, he will work with the defensemen at Hartford of the American Hockey League as well as throughout the organization.