Rangers Claim Hamrlik (Staal Out Indefinitely)
Update, 6:38 p.m.:
The Rangers gave this update on Staal's injury (via Blueshirts United)...
"Following an injury suffered in last night's game vs. Philadelphia, Marc Staal was examined today in New York by Dr. Mark Fromer, ophthalmologist, and Dr. Mendel Markowitz, maxillofacial surgeon. The injury has improved significantly and both doctors are optimistic that Marc will make a full recovery. Staal will be sidelined indefinitely."
...WOW!!!! An actual injury update! In all seriousness, great to hear injury has improved.
Update, 1:42 p.m.:
Hamrik is in the final year of his contract that pays him $3.5 million this season.
...how does this guy get paid more than Girardi ($3.325 million)?
Update, 1:24 p.m.:
Eric Staal says Marc Staal is waiting for swelling to go down around his right eye b4 further determination can be made about his injury.
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) March 6, 2013
Update, 12:30 p.m.:
#Rangers gathering medical info 2day regarding Marc Staal but early indications r his eye injury isn't career threatening. Out indefinitely
— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) March 6, 2013
...never like when someone has to point out it's not career threatening. Usually means it's still pretty serious.
According to Katie Strang at ESPN, Rangers were talking about acquiring Hamrlik before last night.
Original Post:
Whelp, it looks like we've gotten our first inkling of how bad Marc Staal's eye injury is as the Rangers have claimed defenseman Roman Hamrlik off waivers from the Washington Capitals.
The 38-year old Hamrlik has dressed for just four games with the Capitals this season.
...not good.
...is there really no one out there better than Hamrlik? While he used to be a stud on the power play those days are long gone. Thought Rangers were done bringing in guys like this. Would much rather they just plug Gilroy back in there.
...this also pretty much confirms the Rangers confidence level in Bickel right now.
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I guess they kinda have to give an update on Staal. The whole world saw it. The NHL made a huge thing out of it, so the Rangers can't just be quiet about it. Glad there is improvement!
knowing the caliber of players on the rangers I wouldnt be surprised if he's back within the next week or two. either way, glad to hear its not as bad as it looked.
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@slapshot13j optimistic, full recovery... the man could have had his career end last night. This is good news for Staal the player and Staal the human being... if he is out the whole year so be it, perspective man, perspective...
Staal with one eye is better than anyone else we have with two... depth perception might be a problem but hey, you cant have it all...
.@TheNYRBlog I was half expecting Torts to come into the presser with a men in black pen and tell the press they saw nothing.
@LVTT1130 did you see the Staal update? Out indefinitely buy injury isn't career threatening :)
@LVTT1130 I figured I'd tweet it to you just in case! :) great news considering he's okay!
@KevinDeLury But serious;y, great news. Hope he's back healthy for a run in the playoffs, or sooner...
So glad he'll make 100% recovery! Hopefully no concussion symptoms come up for him. Also thinking he comes back for the playoffs! GET WELL SOON!!
That is encouraging. Now please everyone, I know it's an adjustment for some of you but please where the goddam visor. Does someone else have to lose an eye, or a life. The average shot is 90+ mph in today's game. Make it mandatory. Where the freakin visor!
From NHL Network:
------------------------------
RANGERS STATEMENT ON MARC STAAL
"Marc Staal was examined today in New York by Dr. Mark Fromer, Opthamologist, and Dr. Mendel Markowitz, Maxillofacial Surgeon. Th e injury has improved significantly and both doctors are optimistic that Marc will make a full recovery. Staal will be out indefinitely."
Whew...
I have a feeling that this isn't a season ender. I'm basing this on my zero years of being a doctor, but if he didn't go to the hospital then I bet he lucked out and will be back with a visor as soon as possible.
@GLENsatherVSglennDANZIG I said the same thing yesterday and today on this blog - I have even less time as a doctor and basing this totally on intuition. hope we're right!
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I think this is an ok 6th or 7th dman move. Also on Staal, if the Ranger can make their players wear those silly glove shields then they should make them wear visors. It would be good if a big market original six team made this happen. And these guys can't say they're not used to them because every developmental league they've ever played in had some sort of face protection. So it's an effort and I new thing for these guys to not wear them.
@GLENsatherVSglennDANZIG Total knee-jerk reaction. These guys assume the risk. Also, how fucking ridiculous are guys who fight with a visor?
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@GLENsatherVSglennDANZIG it should be left up to the individual. it is what it is. they have a right to dictate how they suit up at their level. does it have it's drawbacks? sure. but the issue is larger than that really.
@slapshot13j Staal and Ovie were always a great match up. not sure who will be assigned to him - likely mcD ~ please not DelZ
@chrisD Girardi or Mac will be fine, ovi isn't even good anymore... I am not worried about him. Besides his one timers on the powerplay
Not hating on Hamrlik until his play deserves it. It can't hurt. If his age is hurting his game then keep him on the bench and put him in for short shifts and power plays. It's better than having Bickel play 6 minutes an entire game. Call me crazy but I wonder why Eminger doesn't get more time. I can't say he's perfect but usually he's pretty solid. And he can sometimes get a good shot through to the net - something which this team forgets to do - a lot.
Del Zotto takes heat here - def from me - because his play deserves it. Still seeing him make bad passes multiple times a game. He doesn't have a big shot and he's not physical enough. I realize he's still young. I hope he gets better. For some reason he just seems too cocky - like he has always thought he's a lot better than he really is. That's why Girardi, Staal, McDonagh get more respect. I would have no problem rounding out the D with the aforementioned guys and Eminger, Stralman and Hamrlik.
I'm normally grumpy - but last nights game was encouraging. I hope this carries over to the Nassau Mausoleum. It would kill the momentum to lose to the Fishsticks wouldn't it????
@AveryYesBettmanNo Give DZ time, I'm just saying I don't think he's as bad as some make him out to be and can develop into a decent 2 way d-man, truth be told I thought he'd have developed more by now myself. Maybe he's developmentally challenged :)
@AveryYesBettmanNo great points and i agree on emmy and bickel. hamrlik gets a shot to prove himself. gilroy? benched in favor of bickel. sucks. del zotto? too cocky for sure. he cant back it up as of now. i have hope as well though.
good post.
I may be foolish but I am optimistic and don't believe Staal will miss the entire year - denial perhaps??? Being very optimistic he'll be back for the playoffs lol.
Mixed feelings about Hamrlik - thought he was very solid as a younger player, but his price tag is too high and we have other needs. Rather see them give someone like Pyette a shot. Maybe Hamr will help DZ mature. I hear a lot of bashing but he's still young and should still evolve into a good 2 way defenseman. His skating looks better this year.
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Also, I love the fact that Hamrlik had the balls to speak the truth during the lockout. For that alone I like him.
