Marc Staal’s Contract Extension Secures Stanley Cup Contention For New York Rangers
Kelvin Kuo – USA TODAY Sports
The waiting is over. While the New York Rangers are not the Stanley Cup Champions, there is no need for worry in Rangerstown. The Rangers and Marc Staal have agreed in principle on a six-year (NY Post) contract extension that will keep Staal in New York through the 2020-21 season. The deal has a full No-Move Clause, (Strang) a full No-Trade Clause for the first three years, a partial No-Trade Clause for the final three years (LeBrun) and an annual salary cap hit of $5.7 million (McKenzie).
While Staal could have easily received more money on the open market, the amount agreed upon is mutually beneficial. The Rangers avoided giving Staal over $6 million, which leaves them $20 million to spend in the offseason. No. 18’s salary is the highest of any Blueshirts blueliner, which more than satisfies him.
It was critical that the Rangers sign Staal as “he is as good a defender as anyone in the NHL “(Alain Vigneault). The coach further went onto say that, “Marc is a guy who you can play against anyone.” Staal’s importance to the team is invaluable. His signing enables the Rangers to keep their foundation intact. The Rangers have prided themselves on constructing their roster from the net out and Staal provides Vigneault with two shutdown defensive pairings. The Blueshirts’ architecture allows them to contend annually as their steady base is only magnified during a long playoff series.
In addition, Staal’s signing has hushed any whisperings of the blueliner being moved at the deadline. With the distractions dispersing from Rangerstown, the Blueshirts can go about their business and focus on the task at hand. Staal has said that the process has weighed heavily on him.
Even with the extra burden bestowed upon his shoulders, Marc Staal is having a phenomenal first half of the season. He averages 22:03 per game, including 2:27 on the penalty kill. No. 18 has registered 47 hits, 55 blocked shots, 28 takeaways, one goal, six assists and has a plus-five rating.
Shedding the additional weight will enable Marc Staal to flourish. The Rangers have always been a strong second half team as Henrik Lundqvist begins to catch fire. Without the circus-like atmosphere surrounding the Blueshirts and their blueliner, Staal has shown promise to be one of the league’s elite defenders. If he can achieve that elite status, the Rangers will be playing deep into June.
For more on Marc Staal’s contract, click here.
Adam Feld is a Rangers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @trublunyblog. Like him on facebook or add him to your network on Google.
Flames vs. Ducks: Game Preview, Prediction
With the All-Star break approaching, both the Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames will be looking to go into the hiatus on a good note. Read More
Kings vs. Sharks: Game Preview, Prediction
In the NHL's last game before the All-Star break, look for the San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings to be at their best as they look to go into the break on a strong note. Read More
5 Takeaways from Canadiens vs. Predators
The Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators met for the first time this season, and it featured another interesting finish. Here are 5 takeaways from the match. Read More
15 Biggest Breakout Players So Far in 14-15 Season
The NHL has seen some amazing play so far this season. Here are 15 breakout players. Read More
5 Things to Watch for at 2015 NHL All-Star Game
In the league's first All-Star game in three years, here are five things to watch for in the 2015 NHL All-Star game. Read More
Penguins-Flyers Rivalry Exacerbated by Brawls
The rivalry between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers can be one of the best in the NHL, but hockey dominated by fights makes it worse while fighting for the playoffs elevates play. Read More
Top 5 Captains In Canucks History
Despite not having a Stanley Cup in franchise history, the Vancouver Canucks still have achievements to be proud of. They've also had some great captains in Vancouver, and here are the five best. Read More
Rangers Could Deal Zuccarello or Hagelin
The New York Rangers might be forced to deal Mats Zuccarello or Carl Hagelin for center depth. Read More
5 Players Penguins Should Target
The Pittsburgh Penguins have already made one major trade this season with the acquisition of David Perron. The team still has holes to fill, though, and could target more players via trade. Read More
Top 5 Captains In Capitals History
There have been many great players for the Washington Capitals since the franchise began in 1974. These five stars helped transform the team into a contender as captains in D.C. Read More
Jersey-Throwing Fans Deserve To Be Charged
The Toronto Maple Leafs have seen their share of fans throwing jerseys on the ice to express frustration with the team's lack of success. Now, deserving charges are to be laid. Read More
10 NHL Stars Traded In 2015
The NHL has seen some of the biggest trades in history come at the deadline. This year will be no different. Read More