As the New York Rangers season began last October, many believed that Marc Staal would not make it through the year as a top-six defenseman. Alain Vigneault even mentioned that Staal might not have a roster spot on the first day of training camp.
Fast forward to April, and you will see that Marc Staal is the only starting defenseman on the team over the age of 25. He is the veteran defenseman helping the kids evolve on the blueline.
As the Rangers have begun the rebuild, It is evident that Marc Staal is needed on this team.