When the New York Rangers selected Marc Staal with the 12th overall pick in the 2005 draft, there were high hopes and expectations that he would become a cornerstone defenseman for the Blueshirts for many years. And while Staal is still a member of the Rangers preparing for his 13th NHL season on Broadway, injuries, as well as an emphasis on a speed-based game across the league, have taken a toll on “Staalsy.”
Background
Staal was born on January 13, 1987, in Thunder Bay, Ontario where he grew up playing pond hockey with his three brothers, two of which are still playing in the NHL for the Minnesota Wild (Eric Staal) and Carolina Hurricanes (Jordan Staal), respectively.