As per Bob McKenzie, Marc Staal has agreed to terms with the Rangers. The deal is for five years, worth $3.975 million per season. The Rangers now have their top defender back on defense, and at a very, very reasonable price too. This also ensures that Staal will be in camp when it starts on Friday. The 23 year old defenseman was clearly the Rangers best defensive defenseman last year, and showed some offensive flair at the end of the year. This is the best news Rangers fans could hope for. Staal is locked up long term, and at a very reasonable price.
The under $4 million price tag gives the Rangers more flexibility to tinker with the roster, depending on the outcome of the battles in training camp. Hockey season starts on Friday, and while this season may be a fight for a playoff spot, locking up Staal will ensure that the Rangers will contend when the rest of the youth develops.
Update: If you take a step back and look at the term and price, the Rangers got a steal in this deal. They locked up a top-five shutdown defenseman, who is just 23 years old, at a price that looks to be under market value. Also, the Rangers lock up two of Staal’s UFA years for this bargain price. I absolutely love the deal, there is no overpaying, Staal gets his money, and the Rangers get one of their most important pieces locked up long term.
Update (again): The breakdown in years, as per EJ Hradek: $3.1M, $3.675M, $3.775M, $3.875M and $5.45M. The contract is back-loaded, and I’m going to stroke my own ego here, just like I predicted. Staal does not have a no-trade or no-movement clause.
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