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Report: Staal suffered concussion, return to Rangers unclear

2014 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Three

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 09: Marc Staal #18 of the New York Rangers reacts to having his stick broken during the third period of Game Three of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Madison Square Garden on June 9, 2014 in New York, New York. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

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Marc Staal, the New York blueliner that’s dealt with concussion issues throughout his career, is reportedly dealing with another concussion -- one that held him out of the Rangers’ final two games prior to their bye week, per the Post.

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Staal, who has been working out at the club’s practice facility this week, did not go through the NHL’s concussion protocol after he was held out of last week’s games in Philadelphia and Columbus with what was announced as an unidentified “upper-body” injury.

It is unknown whether the alternate captain, who reported he was not feeling well following the Jan. 3 game against the Sabres, will be available for Friday’s game against the Maple Leafs at the Garden or Saturday’s match in Montreal.

Staal has dealt with two concussions prior to this -- one in 2011, courtesy a hit from brother Eric, and a second two years later following a headshot from then-Devils forward Reid Boucher.

Prior to getting hurt, the 29-year-old had been a staple of the Rangers’ lineup this year. He was averaging 19:33 through 40 games, chipping in offensively with three goals and six points.

With Staal out, Adam Clendening has been thrust into the defensive rotation -- and has fared well. In Saturday’s comeback win over the Blue Jackets, he scored his first goal and recorded his first multi-point effort of the campaign.