Marc Staal checks Sidney Crosby from behind in Game 3.
Tribune Review/Chaz Palla

According to the New York Post’s Larry Brooks, the Rangers are close to re-signing Marc Staal. The 28-year old defenseman and the club are discussing a new six-year deal that could average between $5.6 to 5.9 million per season. Staal is earning $5.45 million in the final year of his contract.

In 41 games this season, Staal has one goal and six assists with 28 penalty minutes and a plus-five rating. After playing 72 games in 2013-14 while excelling in the playoffs, he hasn’t missed a game. Having him healthy is a plus for coach Alain Vigneault because it allows him to have a dependable top four he can count on. With Staal, it’s more than statistics. One of the team leaders, he logs important minutes at even strength and on the penalty kill. He uses his long reach to recover and make key defensive plays. He’s also third on the team with 66 blocked shots.

There’s been some debate about whether it’s wise to lock Staal up. While I’ve been hesitant, the Rangers can’t easily replace him. This is a top four defenseman who has been a core player. He’s an alternate captain who leads by example. Staal is also one of the most vocal players. Win or lose, he’s at his locker answering questions. While it’s easy to critique his shortcomings, one thing you never can question is his effort. When asked to play a key role, he has always elevated his play in the postseason. Whether it’s blanketing Sidney Crosby or scoring a clutch power play overtime winner, Staal’s always done what was asked by the coaching staff.

Are there concerns giving him a long-term contract with a full no-trade clause the first three years? Of course. But you could say that about anyone. If the Rangers had a young blueliner who could replace Staal, it would be easier to trade him or let him walk this summer. John Moore isn’t that guy. He has played better since Vigneault reinserted him but remains a project. Defense prospect Brady Skjei is in his junior year with the University Of Minnesota. He’s at least a year away.

Even with Kevin Klein’s breakout, it is a no-brainer re-signing Staal. He’s that second left-handed defenseman that balances out the back end. When you can have Klein playing third pair with Moore while Staal works with Dan Boyle, it’s a huge advantage that most teams don’t have. The Rangers are built from the goal out. Team defense is a big reason for their success. Without it, they don’t make the Stanley Cup Final last year.

One other point on Staal. When the contract gets done, he becomes the highest paid defenseman on the Rangers. Some have accurately pointed out that he shouldn’t make as much money as Ryan McDonagh. However, he’s similar to Dan Girardi who Glen Sather doled out an average of $5.5 million for last year. He’s older and can turn unrestricted. The Rangers faced a tough decision choosing Girardi over Ryan Callahan. With Slats able to acquire Martin St. Louis, they chose wisely even if it meant surrendering a first round pick.

Look at it this way. The Capitals handed out a similar contract to former Pen Brooks Orpik, who’s 33. They also invested in Matt Niskanen. I’d much rather keep our players than go out and overpay a free agent who’s not familiar with Vigneault’s system. Boyle was a good signing because he knows St. Louis and has improved the power play. Even if I still wish they could’ve kept Anton Stralman, I understood the rationale.

Of course, there’s concern with the other players Sather must decide on including St. Louis and Mats Zuccarello. With Derek Stepan, Carl Hagelin and Moore up as key restricted’s, the organization faces some tough decisions. J.T. Miller and Jesper Fast are also Group II. Who stays and who goes? We’ll get into that at another time.