Defenseman Marc Staal announced his retirement after 17 seasons in the NHL on Thursday and joined the New York Rangers as a player development assistant.
In his new job, Staal will work with defensemen throughout the organization. His retirement as a player comes approximately one month after his older brother, Eric, officially hung up his skates after 18 NHL seasons.
Marc Staal, 37, played his first 13 seasons with the Rangers after he was selected by the team with the 12th overall pick of the 2005 NHL Draft. His 892 games with New York are the sixth most in franchise history, trailing only Hall of Fame members Harry Howell (1,160), Brian Leetch (1,129) and Rod Gilbert (1,065) as well as Ron Greschner (981) and Walt Tkaczuk (945).
“Congratulations Marc on a great career!” the Rangers wrote on social media. “Thrilled to have you back and looking forward to your next chapter as #NYR Player Development Assistant.”
Marc Staal recorded five points (one goal, four assists) in 35 games last season with the Philadelphia Flyers.
He totaled 234 career points (53 goals, 181 assists) in 1,136 career games with the Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers and Flyers. He added 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) in 128 playoff games.
–Field Level Media