The Detroit Red Wings announced today that they have re-signed defenseman Marc Staal to a one year deal for $2,000,000. The 34 year old Staal will be playing his 16th season in the NHL and second with Detroit.
Staal started his career after being drafted 12 overall in the first round by the New York Rangers in the 2005 draft. He continued playing junior for the Sudbury Wolves in the OHL for two years after and remained captain of the Wolves until he turned professional in 2007-08.
Staal went directly from junior to the NHL with the Rangers. He played for New York for 14 seasons before being traded to Detroit in September 2020. He was very durable with New York, playing in over 70 games in 10 of his 14 seasons.
A defensive defenseman by nature, in 948 career games, Staal has scored 46 goals and 152 assists for 198 points and a +41 rating during the regular season. He has also played 107 playoff games, scoring seven goals and adding 13 assists for 20 points. He should reach the 1,000 games played milestone with Detroit during the second half of next season.
This signing shores up the left side of the Red Wings blueline at a reasonable price. Last year, Staal earned $5.7 million, so this is a salary reduction that both parties should be satisfied with. The addition of Nick Leddy to the left side should significantly balance out the defense for Detroit next year.
This signing also allows the Red Wings top left side defense prospects the opportunity to mature for at least one more season.
Recent draftee Simon Edvinsson is going to play in the SHL for Frolunda. Albert Johansson, drafted in the 2nd round of the 2019 draft, will play another year in Sweden for Farjestad before most likely moving to North America in 2022. Jared McIsaac, drafted in the 2nd round in 2018, will play his first full season of professional hockey with Grand Rapids (AHL) following rehabilitation from three separate shoulder surgeries.
Final Thoughts
The foundation on defense seems to be set for the future and the signing of Marc Staal is essential in allowing the prospects to ripen until they are ready to play in the NHL. Next, Alex will examine the defense pairings after the Staal signing. Things are starting to get exciting in Hockeytown.