Marc Staal retired from the NHL today after 17 seasons and joined the New York Rangers as a player development assistant. The 37-year-old defenseman played his first 13 seasons for the Rangers after he was chosen in the first round (No. 12) of the 2005 NHL Draft. His 892 regular-season games are sixth in team history behind Harry Howell (NY Rangers) (1,160), Brian Leetch (played for NY Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins) (1,129), Rod Gilbert (New York Rangers) (1,065), Ron Greschner (New York Rangers) (981), and Walt Tkaczuk (New York Rangers) (945). Staal is also second in Rangers history in blocked shots (1,162), trailing Dan Girardi (1,691). In his new role, Staal will be working with defensemen throughout the organization. To Marc Staal: We at the Swedish Hockey Talk community would like to say thank you to Marc Staal for your determination and dedication to the wonderful game we call hockey. We would like to also say a huge congrats to you for your role in the New York Rangers Players' Development. We wish you and your family all the best in years to come. Happy retirement Marc, you were amazing. Thank you very much!