Marc Staal
A stalwart defensive pillar for the New York Rangers and the steady, stay-at-home heart of the historic Staal brother trio.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: January 13·Millennials
Biography
Marc Staal's career is defined by quiet, defensive excellence and family legacy. The second-oldest of the four Staal brothers to reach the NHL, he carved his own distinct path as a shutdown defenseman, a role he perfected over 17 seasons. Drafted by the New York Rangers, he became the steady, physical anchor on their blue line for over a decade, logging punishing minutes against opponents' top lines. His game was built on intelligence, positioning, and a willingness to sacrifice his body, exemplified by his shot-blocking prowess. While his brothers Eric and Jordan were offensive talents, Marc's value was measured in defensive stops and leadership. He played a central role in the Rangers' run to the 2014 Stanley Cup Final. Along with Eric and Jordan, he made history as one of the first trio of brothers to each play 1,000 NHL games, a testament to the Staal family's remarkable durability and skill.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Marc was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Marc Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Marc's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played in over 1,100 NHL games, primarily as a top-pairing shutdown defenseman for the New York Rangers.
- Part of the first trio of brothers (with Eric and Jordan) in NHL history to each play 1,000 regular season games.
- Helped anchor the defense for the New York Rangers team that reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2014.
- Served as an alternate captain for the New York Rangers for several seasons.
Did You Know?
He is the only defenseman among the four Staal brothers who played in the NHL.
He suffered a serious eye injury from a puck in 2013 but returned to play at a high level, later wearing a visor for protection.
All four Staal brothers (Eric, Marc, Jordan, Jared) were drafted in the first two rounds of the NHL Entry Draft.
“I'm not the flashiest, but I take pride in shutting down the other team's best players.”
