Breaking News: New York Rangers Place Marc Staal on Injured Reserve

The New York Rangers had a lot to be hopeful for after their busy offseason. When they signed the prized jewel of the free-agency market, Brad Richards, the Rangers had finally acquired their true No. 1 center.

Today, however, fans have some cause for concern. It was announced that the Rangers have placed injured defenseman Marc Staal on injured reserve. Staal is still suffering from concussion-like symptoms stemming for the shot to the head he received against the Carolina Hurricanes last season. It was a mere coincidence that his brother Eric Staal delivered the hit.

The Rangers needed to make a move to add some depth to their current lineup, so they addressed that after the waiver deadline this morning.

As a result the team has recalled defenseman Tim Erixon. He will fly to Stockholm to join the team for their season-opening games.

The Rangers now find themselves in a major defensive bind as Staal could miss up to a month. Here is the full quote from general manager Glen Sather:

"

Doctors have said that it could be a week, but it could also be a month, I wish we had something absolute, but we don’t.

If Marc’s out for a substantial length of time, it’s going to have an impact on our club, no doubt about that. He’s our top defenseman, one of our top players, gets the most ice time and is always on against the other team’s top players. But it’s something we’ll just have to deal with.

"

The New York Post also reported in the same passage that the Rangers have reopened contract talks with former defenseman Paul Mara, who spent 156 games of his NHL career as a New York Ranger from the 2006-07 to 2008-09 seasons.

Right now this story in just developing. Check back later in the day if any transactions come to fruition.

Are you concerned about Marc Staal? Who should the Rangers try and trade for? Leave comments in the section below to get the conversation going.

Tom Urtz is an NHL Featured Columnist and New York Rangers Featured Columnist.

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