Eric Staal did a decent job of driving play, but he was far from the missing piece the Rangers hoped they were getting.
Staal recorded just six points in 20 regular season games with the Rangers and never seemed to settle in with regards to his role or meshing with linemates.
After a subpar end to the regular season, Staal’s playoffs were even more disappointing as he failed to record a point prior to the Rangers (predictably) being bounced by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
What makes matters worse is the Rangers had to part with World Junior standout Aleksi Saarela and a pair of 2nd round draft picks to get Staal. That’s a hefty price for any team, but hurts even more considering a) Staal struggled mightily and; b) the Rangers’ prospect cupboard isn’t exactly full.
This trade already looks bad, but will be even worse if Staal doesn’t re-sign, and at a decent price.