Marc Staal facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Marc Staal
Staal with the Detroit Red Wings in 2021
Born	(1987-01-13) January 13, 1987 (age 38) Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Height	6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight	214 lb (97 kg; 15 st 4 lb)
Position	Defence
Shot	Left
Played for	New York Rangers Detroit Red Wings Florida Panthers Philadelphia Flyers
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	12th overall, 2005 New York Rangers
Playing career	2006–2024

Marc Staal (born January 13, 1987) is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former defenceman. He now works as a player development assistant for the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Staal played for 17 seasons in the NHL. He played for the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, and Philadelphia Flyers. He played over 1,100 games in his career.

Marc is the second oldest of the four Staal brothers who played in the NHL. He is also the third brother to play 1,000 games. This made them the first group of three brothers to reach this milestone. Marc is the only defenceman among his brothers. He is also the only one who never played for the Carolina Hurricanes. Marc and his brother Jared are the only brothers who did not win the Stanley Cup.

Playing Career Highlights

Junior Hockey Years

Marc Staal grew up playing hockey in his hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario. He played with future NHL players like Tom Pyatt and Ryan Parent.

In 2003, Staal was picked second overall in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft by the Sudbury Wolves. He played junior hockey for the Sudbury Wolves from 2003 to 2007. He was the team's captain. He helped the Wolves reach the OHL finals for the first time in 30 years.

The New York Rangers drafted Staal in the first round of the 2005 NHL entry draft. He was the 12th pick overall. The Rangers traded up in the draft to get him.

Staal played for Team Canada in the 2006 and 2007 IIHF World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He won gold medals both times. He was named the best defenceman in the 2006 Championships.

In 2007, the OHL gave Staal the Max Kaminsky Trophy. This award is for the OHL's Most Outstanding Defenceman. He also won the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as the league's playoff MVP. The Sudbury Wolves retired his jersey number 14 in 2023.

Starting in the NHL

Staal with the Rangers during his rookie season in the NHL, January 2008

Marc Staal made his National Hockey League debut on October 4, 2007. He played for the New York Rangers. He got his first NHL point on November 1, 2007, with an assist. He scored his first NHL goal on November 14, 2007, against the New Jersey Devils.

During his first season, Staal was chosen for the NHL YoungStars Game at the 2008 NHL All-Star Game. He scored a goal and an assist there. He finished his rookie season with 10 points. The Rangers made it to the Stanley Cup playoffs. He scored his first NHL playoff goal and two assists. This helped the Rangers beat the Devils in five games.

In the 2008–09 season, Staal scored 15 points. He returned to the YoungStars Competition in 2009 and scored two goals. The Rangers made the playoffs again but lost in the first round.

In 2009, Marc and his brothers Eric and Jordan were invited to try out for Team Canada. This was for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Only Eric made the team.

Growing as a Player

In the 2009–10 season, Staal started to play a more offensive role. He set new career highs with 8 goals, 19 assists, and 27 points. He also had a career-best +11 rating. The Rangers missed the playoffs that year.

In 2010, Staal signed a five-year contract extension with the Rangers. In October 2010, he was named an alternate captain at age 23.

During the 2010–11 season, Staal was chosen for his first 2011 NHL All-Star Game. He got to play on the same team as his brother Eric. He set new career highs with 22 assists and 29 points.

Staal with the Rangers in January 2011, his fourth season in the NHL

In 2011, Staal suffered a concussion. He did not play again until January 2, 2012. He played only 46 games in the 2011–12 season. He helped the Rangers reach the Eastern Conference Finals. In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Staal scored an important overtime goal. This gave the Rangers a 3–2 win and a 3–2 series lead.

In the 2012–13 season, Staal played well. However, he suffered a serious eye injury in March 2013. A shot hit him in his right eye. This injury ended his season. When he returned, he wore a visor for safety.

In the 2013–14 season, Staal played a full season again. He played 72 regular season games and 25 playoff games. He helped the Rangers reach their first Stanley Cup Finals in 20 years. He was the third Staal brother to reach the Finals.

In January 2015, Staal signed a new 6-year contract. In the 2014–15 season, he played 80 games. He recorded 5 goals and 15 assists for 20 points. The team had a great season, setting franchise records with 53 wins and 113 points. They won the Presidents' Trophy. The Rangers reached the Eastern Conference Finals again but lost in 7 games.

In the 2019–20 season, Staal played his 842nd game with the Rangers. This made him seventh in games played for the team.

Later Career and Retirement

On September 26, 2020, Staal was traded to the Detroit Red Wings. He had been with the Rangers for a long time. He signed a one-year contract extension with the Red Wings in 2021.

On March 12, 2022, Staal played his 1,000th NHL game. This made him, Eric, and Jordan the only trio of brothers in the NHL to each play 1,000 games.

On July 13, 2022, Staal signed a one-year contract with the Florida Panthers. After one season with the Panthers, he signed with the Philadelphia Flyers for the 2023–24 season.

Following the 2023–24 season, Marc Staal announced his retirement from playing ice hockey on September 5, 2024. He then returned to the New York Rangers as a player development assistant.

Personal Life

Marc Staal married Lindsay Ruggles on August 12, 2011. They have known each other since high school. They have three children: two daughters and a son.

In 2012, the Staal Brothers started the Staal Family Foundation. This organization helps children with cancer and their families.

Career Statistics

International Play

Medal record
Representing  Canada
Ice hockey
World Junior Championships
Gold	2007 Sweden
Gold	2006 Canada

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2004	Canada Ontario	WHC17			6	0	1	1	2
2005	Canada	IH18			5	0	0	0	2
2006	Canada	WJC			6	0	1	1	4
2007	Canada	WJC			6	0	0	0	4
2010	Canada	WC	7th		7	0	1	1	2
Junior totals					23	0	2	2	12
Senior totals					7	0	1	1	2

Images for kids

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  Staal during a game in the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs

See also

• Notable families in the NHL