Marc Staal was a staple on defense for 13 seasons and vital for the Rangers young blue-line since the rebuild was announced. He was a steadying presence for a host of greenhorns over the last few years including Tony DeAngelo and Adam Fox. While he no longer was the #1 shutdown defender of glory days past, Staal’s presence became a calming influence to the rookies and a safety valve for David Quinn.
His time on Broadway was coming to an end
The end was coming, even with next season being the last for the 33 year-old defender.