#Rangers trade Marc Staal, second-round draft pick to Red Wings

The Blueshirts traded the 33-years-old defenseman, who played 13 seasons in New York, along with a 2021 second-round pick to the Detroit Red Wings for future considerations, the team announced Saturday. He had two goals and nine assists last season and was a plus-5 during his time on the ice.

“Marc Staal has been an exemplary hockey player, teammate, and person from the moment he joined the New York Rangers organization,” team president John Davidson said. “A consummate professional, Marc’s perseverance and dedication to the game made him such an integral part of our organization. Marc, his wife Lindsay, and his children Anna, Emily, and Jack, will always be a part of the Rangers family, and we wish them all the best going forward.”

Staal had one year remaining on his contract with a $5.7 million cap hit and was a potential buy-out candidate for the Rangers. A buyout would have saved the club $2,066,667 this year while adding $1,066,667 of dead space for 2021-22.

“I would like to thank Marc for everything he has given to the New York Rangers during his 13 seasons with the team,” general manager Jeff Gorton said. “The success we had throughout Marc’s tenure, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final, would not have been possible without his tireless efforts on and off the ice. The respect we have for Marc is immeasurable, and we wish him and his family all the best.”