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Marc Staal, 2021 2nd-Round Draft Pick Traded to Red Wings from Rangers

Paul KasabianSenior ContributorSeptember 27, 2020

New York Rangers' Marc Staal plays during an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Matt Slocum/Associated Press

The Detroit Red Wings announced that they have acquired defenseman Marc Staal and a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL draft from the New York Rangers in exchange for future considerations.

The Rangers also confirmed the move and wished the 13-year veteran a fond farewell:

New York Rangers @NYRangers

From Draft Day to today, for 13 years of determination, leadership and memories: Thank you, Marc Staal. https://t.co/8DTbIJseoL

"Marc Staal has been an exemplary hockey player, teammate, and person from the moment he joined the New York Rangers organization," Rangers President and Alternate Governor John Davidson said in a statement.

"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."

Brett Cyrgalis, formerly of the New York Post, also offered kind words:

Brett Cyrgalis @BrettCyrgalis

Marc Staal is one of the most genuine, respectful, and caring people I covered in 15 years at the NY Post. I wish him nothing but the best. https://t.co/KjlSnVSFYJ

The 33-year-old and former Rangers' alternate captain has played his entire 13-year career with the Rangers, who took him with the 12th overall pick in the 2005 NHL draft.

The two-time All-Star has amassed 43 goals, 145 assists and a plus-46 in 892 regular-season games. He's also blocked 1,162 shots alongside 1,308 hits.

Staal finished with two goals, nine assists and a plus-five in 52 games last season.

Staal has struggled in recent years and especially so last year, with Micah Blake McCurdy and JFresh Hockey explaining further:

Micah Blake McCurdy @IneffectiveMath

Marc Staal (traded to Detroit with a sweetener second in return for nothing whatsoever) is the kind of player you trade away with a sweetener in exchange for nothing whatsoever. https://t.co/bN0kzY5Btl

JFresh @JFreshHockey

Marc Staal, reportedly traded to DET, is one of the league's worst defencemen, a liability offensively, defensively, and on the penalty kill. #RedWings https://t.co/NSvz0l8LkP

Per Chris Johnston of Hockey Night in Canada, the move saves New York a total of $5.7 million in cap space. Frank Seravalli of TSN explained the move's impact more from the Rangers' perspective:

Frank Seravalli @frank_seravalli

As significant of a character piece as Marc Staal was after 892 games in New York, this is a critical deal for #NYR. His $5.7 million allows Rangers space to re-sign RFA DeAngelo. Some breathing room now. DET buys experience and a 2nd round pick for $4.2 million real dollars. https://t.co/VHlxV6UYFm

The Rangers went to the playoffs 10 times during Staal's tenure, making the Eastern Conference Finals three times and reaching the Stanley Cup Final once in 2014, when they lost to the Los Angeles Kings in five games.