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Eric Staal feels horrible about brother Marc’s struggle with concussion recovery

Carolina Hurricanes v New York Rangers

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 05: Marc Staal #18 of the New York Rangers skates against his brother Eric Staal #12 of the Carolina Hurricanes at Madison Square Garden on January 5, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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When Rangers defenseman Marc Staal went down last year with what was initially deemed to be just a knee injury, it was his brother Eric Staal from the Carolina Hurricanes that put him out of action. As it turns out, an injured knee wasn’t the only problem for Marc as he also suffered a concussion in the hit.

Fast forward to this season’s training camp and Marc is still having issues with post-concussion symptoms and the Rangers are proceeding very carefully with him so he doesn’t see his condition worsen. Staal is being kept out of physical practice situations as well as the team’s first three preseason games before heading to Europe to start the season. Staal’s symptoms are affecting him enough so that the coaches sent him home on Monday after not even skating with the team.

Eric Staal is feeling awful about what his brother is going through in trying to prepare for the season. Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer gets the word from the Hurricanes captain about how he hopes his brother can get well soon.

“There were times he was making progress and doing well, then had some setbacks,” Eric Staal said. “He took some time off, then tried to amp it up again and it was difficult for him. He dealt with it most of the summer.

“I think right now they’re just being real cautious with where he’s at and make sure he’s 100 percent healthy. Hopefully he can keep progressing in the right direction and he can get back going, because he’s one of their best players and he wants to be out there with their team.

“It (stinks). It’s not fun for him or fun for me.”


The story about how the Staal brothers have been close their entire life and how three out of four of the brothers are in the NHL is one we’re all familiar with. Seeing a situation like this that develops because of how hard they play, even against each others, is sad to see come up. Getting to see both Marc and Eric at the All-Star Game in Raleigh last season made for a real treat, especially playing together on the same team.

Seeing the brothers deal with an issue like this that links them together, however, is one that’s rough to see play out. Both players are important to their teams and Marc’s All-Star season last year was a sign to the rest of the league that he had arrived as a force in New York. Marc’s recovery for the Rangers is vital to their success.

The Rangers’ depth on defense isn’t exactly stellar and having to get someone to fill the minutes that Marc plays is going to be rough. Staal’s skills and all-around game make him one of their best players. Thankfully, the Rangers are making the right moves now to make sure he’s fully healthy before getting him back into the mix heavily.

As for Eric, you have to hope his mind is in the right place out on the ice while his brother is recovering. Being responsible for injuring your own brother has to be tough to handle psychologically. The Hurricanes need their captain to be at the top of their game if they’re going to challenge for the playoffs. Even being off for a few games could make the difference between making the postseason and packing it in early.