Marc Staal, a stalwart defenseman with a distinguished 17-year NHL career, has officially retired from playing and joined the New York Rangers as a player development assistant. The 37-year-old will now work closely with defensemen throughout the organization, a fitting role for someone with his wealth of experience and deep connection to the Rangers.
Staal was drafted 12th overall by the Rangers in the 2005 NHL Draft and went on to spend the first 13 seasons of his career with the team. His contributions were immense, playing in 892 regular-season games, which ranks sixth in franchise history, trailing only legends like Harry Howell, Brian Leetch, Rod Gilbert, Ron Greschner, and Walt Tkaczuk. He also ranks second in the Rangers' history in blocked shots (1,162), just behind his former defensive partner, Dan Girardi (1,691).
In postseason play, Staal’s impact was equally notable, appearing in 107 Stanley Cup Playoff games, third all-time for Rangers skaters, trailing only Chris Kreider and Girardi. Staal was instrumental in the Rangers' run to the 2014 Stanley Cup Final, where they ultimately fell in five games to the Los Angeles Kings.
After a long stint with the Rangers, Staal was traded to the Detroit Red Wings in 2020, a move that included a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. He reached a significant career milestone during his time with Detroit, playing in his 1,000th NHL game on March 12, 2022, becoming part of a unique NHL family achievement. Marc, along with his brothers Eric and Jordan Staal, became the first trio of brothers in league history to each play over 1,000 games.
Most recently, Marc Staal played 35 games with the Philadelphia Flyers after helping the Florida Panthers make a deep run to the 2023 Stanley Cup Final, where they fell to the Vegas Golden Knights. Over his 1,136-game career, Staal accumulated 234 points (53 goals, 181 assists) and a plus-52 rating. He also registered 20 points in 128 playoff appearances. Though most of his career was spent in a Rangers uniform, Staal made his mark wherever he played.
Staal’s retirement follows closely behind his brother Eric, who announced his retirement on August 6, 2024, after 18 seasons in the NHL.
Despite all these accomplishments, Marc Staal’s journey was also marked by immense adversity. His career nearly ended in 2013 after a terrifying eye injury. During a game against the Philadelphia Flyers, a deflected puck struck him directly in the eye, leading to blurred vision, dizziness, and immense pain. For a player whose game depended on his defensive awareness, the eye injury threatened everything. "It’s probably not going to be 100%," he admitted in a candid moment following the injury. "But that’s not to say it’s not going to get a lot better." Over time, Staal adapted, but the fear of losing his vision remained etched in his mind. "It was a scary, scary injury," he said. "You’re sitting on the table wondering if you’re going to see again."
But it wasn’t the injury that defined Staal’s career. Instead, it was his resilience and a series of unforgettable firsts that endeared him to Rangers fans.
As part of an interview for *You Never Forget Your First*, a collection of Rangers firsts co-written by Howie Karpin and myself, Staal shared some of his most memorable early experiences in the NHL. His first NHL game as a spectator? “It was in Calgary, at the Saddle Dome,” Staal recalled. “I remember being down by the glass for warm-ups, wearing a San Jose coat for no reason at all. Bernie Nichols skated by and winked at me—that was my first NHL experience.”
Staal’s first hockey idol was Doug Gilmour, the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. "We were Leafs fans," he said. "We had two or three channels, and Saturday night was Leafs night. Gilmour was their captain and leader, and someone you looked up to as a kid."
Draft day was another memorable milestone for Staal. "It was during the lockout, so everything was a little different," he shared. "I remember sitting with my parents and agent in a hotel. The Rangers traded up with Atlanta, and I was nervous, hoping Atlanta wouldn’t pick me. But then the Rangers did, and it was a dream come true."
His first NHL game as a Ranger, opening night at Madison Square Garden, was nerve-wracking. “I remember just trying to get my thoughts in order,” Staal said, laughing as he recalled his welcome-to-the-NHL moment. “Nathan Horton toe-dragged me inside out on maybe my third or fourth shift, and I thought, ‘Oh man, I’m in one here.’” Despite the nerves, the Rangers won, and Staal’s career was officially underway.
When asked about his first NHL goal, Staal smiled. "I think Shanahan passed it to me... I shot as hard as I could, and it went in. At first, I thought Aves (Sean Avery) touched it, but he came over and told me I scored." The Rangers commemorated the goal with a framed picture and a lineup sheet from his first game. “I’m not a goal scorer, but it was good to get that first one out of the way.”
Staal also reflected on his first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2014. "It was kind of a blur," he admitted. "You’re numb to pain and feeling. You’re just focusing on getting on the ice and doing your job." Though the Rangers fell short, the memories from that run remain special. “You remember the memories along the way... there were a lot of good ones.”
Through all the highs and lows, Marc Staal’s career was defined by resilience, grit, and a series of unforgettable firsts that have cemented his legacy in Rangers history. Now, in his new role, Staal will look to pass on the lessons he’s learned to a new generation of Blueshirts, ensuring that the next crop of Rangers defensemen is in good hands.
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