The New York Rangers are expected to announce Marc Staal’s six-year contract extension shortly after Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, but the terms are so widely reported that it seems like a done deal.
Staal re-signed with the Rangers for six years at $5.7 million per season, which results in a $34.2 million pact overall.
Naturally, if any details conflict with reports, it will be noted on PHT.
Update: As expected, the Rangers confirmed the length of the extension, but not the financial terms.
Staal’s $5.7 million cap hit will make him New York’s priciest defenseman by a hair, edging Dan Girardi ($5.5 million), Ryan McDonagh ($4.75 million) and Dan Boyle ($4.5 million).
The New York Post’s Larry Brooks does a good job of depicting the Rangers’ long-term commitments when it comes to keeping the puck out of their net:
Your NY Rangers' defense: McDonagh, Girardi, Klein all under contract through 2017-18, Staal through 2020-21...And Lundqvist through 20-21.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) January 18, 2015
The defensive defenseman turned 28 on Jan. 13, so he’ll be 29 midway through the first season of that six-year extension.
The Rangers have plenty of other contract situations to settle, particularly those of Martin St. Louis (UFA) and Derek Stepan (RFA).