Former Flyers Defenseman Retires After 17 NHL Seasons

In his short time in Philadelphia, Staal was able to have a big impact in what was effectively a player-coach role for the Flyers. Young defensemen like Cam York and Egor Zamula both took big steps forward with the veteran mentor in their locker room in the 2023-24 season.

“Those guys have big experience in this league,” Zamula said of Staal and fellow defenseman Erik Johnson at his exit interview. “It’s fun to play with those guys because sometimes he tells you something funny on the bench after a crazy shift, especially, with Staalsy. And I will remember that. I can’t tell you what he says, but it’s something special and I will remember these two guys for my life.

“Old guys, you see? But still guys playing.”

Staal regrettably missed a month of time at the end of October after suffering a broken rib in an odd collision in a game against the Edmonton Oilers and became a rotational player for the Flyers after returning. Playing time was especially scarce in the winter, as Staal played in only three games in January.

Flyers general manager Danny Briere had been pretty clear from the beginning of the NHL offseason that Staal would not be returning to the team, so it would appear the next chapter of Staal’s life in pro hockey has been lined up for a bit after previously being “undecided” on his next step.

We wish Marc the best of luck in his new adventure with the Rangers and a happy retirement from a long, prosperous NHL career.