Updated repeatedly: It’s a real deal. 33-year-old defenseman Marc Staal and a 2021 2nd round pick from the Rangers for future considerations.

Via Kukla’s Korner comes a hot rumor from Boston Bruins scribe Joe McDonald:

Hearing Marc Staal has been traded to Detroit.

— Joe McDonald (@JoeyMacHockey) September 26, 2020

The Athletic’s Shayna Goldman is saying it’s happening…

This is indeed a thing. https://t.co/qGDehjdErQ

— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) September 26, 2020

Staal, 33, comes to Detroit for a low price:

UPDATE: The #RedWings have acquired defenseman Marc Staal and a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft from the New York Rangers in exchange for future considerations. pic.twitter.com/EO9cWDACOE— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 26, 2020

Strict salary dump. Staal is still productive, and he waived a no-move clause to bring his $5.7 million salary to Detroit.

TRADE: #NYR send D Marc Staal and their second-round pick in 2021 to the #RedWings for future considerations. #NHL— Brian Compton (@BComptonNHL) September 26, 2020

Staal has a full NMC and agreed to waive it to go to Detroit.

Rangers receive future considerations https://t.co/jWDn3FSGwC— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) September 26, 2020

The Rangers confirm:

OFFICIAL: Rangers announce they have traded defenseman Marc Staal and a second-round selection in the 2021 NHL Draft to Detroit in exchange for future considerations. pic.twitter.com/5TNeohQhtm— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 26, 2020

Staal has a $5.7 million cap hit with one year remaining on his deal. He’s 33 and played in 52 NHL games this season. https://t.co/tYHsVjKfzo— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) September 26, 2020

This deal is done: Rangers send a 2nd and Marc Staal to Red Wings for future considerations. Detroit using cap space to gather assets. https://t.co/zo1zwqnh58— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) September 26, 2020

Staal is not a big point producer, but he’s a steady defenseman who helps stabilize the Wings’ blueline.

The pick is in 2021. https://t.co/27eHXiBg7c— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) September 26, 2020

Here’s the Wings’ press release:

Red Wings acquire Marc Staal and second-round pick from Rangers

Former NHL All-Star has skated in 892 NHL Games over 13 pro seasons

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings today acquired defenseman Marc Staal and a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft from the New York Rangers in exchange for future considerations.

Staal, 33, skated in 52 games with the Rangers in 2019-20, totaling 11 points (2-9-11), a plus-five rating, 16 penalty minutes, 69 hits and 76 blocked shots in 17:39 average time on ice, while also playing in all three postseason contests, notching one point (1-0-1). The 13-year NHL veteran led New York in shorthanded ice time per game in 2019-20 and ranks among the longest-tenured players in Rangers history, placing sixth in franchise history in regular-season games (892) and second in playoff games played (107). He also served as an alternate captain for the Rangers for a decade (2010-20). Staal has totaled 188 points (43-145-188), a plus-46 rating and 432 penalty minutes since making his NHL debut in 2007-08, adding 20 points (7-13-20) and 42 penalty minutes in 107 career playoff games. The 6-foot-4, 209-pound blueliner was an NHL All-Star in 2011 when he set career offensive bests with 29 points (7-22-29) in 77 games. He also twice participated in the NHL YoungStars Game during his first two NHL campaigns in 2008 and 2009.

A native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Staal was originally a first-round pick (12th overall) of the Rangers in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. Prior to turning professional, Staal racked up 123 points (23-100-123) in 236 Ontario Hockey League games with the Sudbury Wolves from 2003-07. He capped off a decorated major-junior career in 2006-07, captaining the Wolves en route to capturing the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the league’s most-outstanding defenseman and Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as most-valuable player of the playoffs, while earning a spot on the OHL First All-Star Team and CHL First All-Star Team. On the international stage, Staal helped Canada win back-to-back gold medals at the 2006 and 2007 IIHF World Junior Championships and was named the tournament’s best defenseman in 2006. He previously captured a gold medal at the 2003 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and debuted for the men’s national team at the 2010 IIHF World Championship.

The Red Wings currently hold 20 draft picks combined over the next two NHL Entry Drafts, adding to the league-high 32 players the team selected over the last three drafts (2017-19). For the upcoming 2020 NHL Entry Draft (Oct. 6-7), the Red Wings have six of the first 65 selections in the draft, including their own pick in each round except the fourth, two additional picks in the second round (via Edmonton and Washington), San Jose’s pick in the third round and Edmonton’s pick in the fourth round. Detroit also has all seven of its original selections for the 2021 NHL Entry Draft and now own three picks in the second round (adding the Rangers’ pick to one previously acquired from Edmonton) and an additional third-round pick via Vegas.

Marc Staal, Defenseman
Born Jan 13 1987 — Thunder Bay, ONT
Height 6.04 — Weight 209 — Shoots L
Selected by New York Rangers round 1 #12 overall 2005 NHL Entry Draft

NYR getting DET to take all of Staal’s $5.7m cap hit for a 2021 2nd makes you think #Isles would be asked for their 2021 1st to have a team take Boychuk’s two remaining years at $6m AAV. Gonna be a tough sell with no 2020 1st/2nd and no 2021 2nd.— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) September 26, 2020

#TRADECENTRE: #RedWings have acquired defenceman Marc Staal and a second-round pick in the 2021 draft from the #Rangers in exchange for future considerations. The 33-year-old has spent his entire 13-year NHL career in New York.

MORE: https://t.co/etNscGIetZ pic.twitter.com/cNFvsGV08K— SportsCentre (@SportsCentre) September 26, 2020

Marc Staal has a $5.7 million cap hit, which is a lot to only get a 2021 second as a sweetener, but I think Detroit is only paying $3.2 million in real dollars – the salary $4.2 million for this year but $1 million of that is a bonus that should have already been paid.— Corey Masisak (@cmasisak22) September 26, 2020

Full details ➡️ https://t.co/DdDSPSFtmR— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 26, 2020

Rangers trade defenseman Marc Staal and a second-round pick to the Red Wings in exchange for future considerations. pic.twitter.com/YOoUdweAoG— Ryan Field (@RyanFieldABC) September 26, 2020

Defenseman Marc Staal was traded to the Red Wings by the Rangers. Detroit also received a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft for future considerations.https://t.co/ce0iC8FLij— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) September 26, 2020

?#TradeCentre ALERT?: Red Wings acquire D Marc Staal & a 2021 2nd-round pick from the #NYR for future considerations…

Follow every deal in our Trade Tracker – https://t.co/lTl9gr0T6Z#TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/0YfJiqEDyI— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) September 26, 2020

Eric Staal (MIN to BUF) and Marc Staal (NYR to DET) traded nine days apart.

Jordan probably not going anywhere, but maybe feeling a bit uneasy tonight.— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) September 26, 2020

Staal, 33, skated in 52 games with the Rangers in 2019-20, totaling 11 points (2-9-11), a plus-five rating, 16 penalty minutes, 69 hits and 76 blocked shots in 17:39 average time on ice.

More: https://t.co/ORgfnS0qR3 pic.twitter.com/J2rycnnuQQ— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 26, 2020

The #RedWings acquired 33 y/o Marc Staal & ’21 2nd from #NYR for Future Considerations.

Staal:
-Final year of 6yr $5.7M Cap Hit ($1M SB $3.2M Base) Deal
-2G 11P in 52 GP
-50% 5v5 GF, 45% DFF (-5.7 rel team), 43.2% Corsi
-Rep’d by Curran @OrrHockeyGroup https://t.co/q9jwqQM4KS— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) September 26, 2020

Here’s the Rangers’ press release:

The New York Rangers announced today that the team has traded Marc Staal and a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for future considerations.

“Marc Staal has been an exemplary hockey player, teammate, and person from the moment he joined the New York Rangers organization,” Rangers President and Alternate Governor John Davidson said. “A consummate professional, Marc’s perseverance and dedication to the game made him such an integral part of our organization. Marc, his wife Lindsay, and his children Anna, Emily, and Jack will always be a part of the Rangers family, and we wish them all the best going forward.”

“I would like to thank Marc for everything he has given to the New York Rangers during his 13 seasons with the team,” Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton said. “The success we had throughout Marc’s tenure, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final, would not have been possible without his tireless efforts on and off the ice. The respect we have for Marc is immeasurable, and we wish him and his family all the best.”

Staal skated in 892 career games with the Rangers over 13 seasons (2007-08 – 2019-20), registering 43 goals and 145 assists for 188 points, along with a plus-46 rating and 432 penalty minutes. He ranks sixth on the franchise’s all-time games played list, trailing only Harry Howell (1,160), Brian Leetch (1,129), Rod Gilbert (1,065), Ron Greschner (981), and Walt Tkaczuk (945). Staal played in 471 games which the Rangers won throughout his tenure, which is the third-most for any player in franchise history; the only players who appeared in more games which the Rangers won are Leetch (515) and Gilbert (487). Staal appeared in a game in three different decades with the Rangers (2000’s, 2010’s, 2020’s), and he is one of seven players in franchise history who have appeared in a game with the Rangers in three different decades, along with Frank Boucher (1920’s, 1930’s, 1940’s), Tkaczuk (1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s), Greschner (1970’s, 1980’s, 1990’s), Leetch (1980’s, 1990’s, 2000’s), Mike Richter (1980’s, 1990’s, 2000’s), and Henrik Lundqvist (2000’s, 2010’s, and 2020’s).

During Staal’s tenure with the Rangers, the team advanced to the Stanley Cup Final in 2013-14, advanced to the Eastern Conference Final three times in a four-year span (2011-12, 2013-14, 2014-15), and won 10 different playoff series. In addition, he helped the Rangers finish in first place in their division twice during the regular season (Atlantic Division – 2011-12; Metropolitan Division – 2014-15) and finish with the best record in the NHL during the regular season in 2014-15, as the Blueshirts established single-season franchise records with 53 wins and 113 points. He helped the Rangers advance to the postseason 10 times in his 13 seasons, and he is one of only 10 players who have appeared in a postseason game in 10 or more years with the Rangers in franchise history (along with Ron Greschner, Henrik Lundqvist, Frank Boucher, Rod Gilbert, Dan Girardi, Ott Heller, Ching Johnson, Murray Murdoch, and Walt Tkaczuk).

Staal served as one of the Rangers’ alternate captains for 10 seasons (2010-11 – 2019-20). Since the Rangers/NHL began to have players wear an ‘A’ on their jersey as an alternate captain during the 1985-86 season (after not doing so for approximately a decade), he was one of only three players who have either worn a ‘C’ or an ‘A’ as captain or an alternate captain with the Rangers for 10 or more seasons. The only other two Rangers who have done so over the span are Brian Leetch (13 seasons – alternate captain from 1991-92 – 1996-97; 2000-01 – 2003-04, and captain from 1997-98 – 1999-00) and Mark Messier (10 seasons – captain from 1991-92 – 1996-97; 2000-01 – 2003-04).

The 6-4, 209-pounder was credited with 1,308 hits and 1,162 blocked shots over his 13 seasons with the Blueshirts. Since the NHL began to track real-time stats at the start of the 1997-98 season, Staal’s 1,162 blocked shots are the second-most by a Ranger (trailing only Dan Girardi), and his 1,308 hits are the third-most by a Ranger over the span (trailing only Girardi and Ryan Callahan). Staal also logged 18,394:47 of ice time with the Rangers, which is the most by any Blueshirts skater since the league began to track ice time in 1997-98. He averaged 20:37 of ice time per game with the Rangers, as he averaged more than 20:00 of ice time per game in six of his 13 seasons, as well as more than 19:00 of ice time per game in 10 of those seasons. Staal also posted a plus/minus rating of even or better in nine of his 13 seasons with the Blueshirts.

Staal skated in 107 career playoff games with the Rangers, registering seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points, along with 42 penalty minutes. He is one of only three players (and one of only two skaters) who have appeared in at least 100 career playoff games with the Blueshirts in franchise history (along with Henrik Lundqvist and Dan Girardi). Staal became the fifth defenseman in franchise history to register a playoff overtime goal when he recorded the game-winning goal at 1:35 of overtime in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals vs. Washington in 2012. He also recorded the first goal of the game in the Blueshirts’ Game 7 win against Ottawa in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in 2012.

Staal earned several team awards and received several team and league recognitions throughout his time with the Rangers. He represented the Rangers at the 2011 NHL All-Star Game, and he established career-highs in points (29), assists (22), and average ice time (25:44) during the 2010-11 season. Staal was twice selected as the Rangers’ nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy (2012-13 and 2014-15), which is awarded annually to the NHL player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.” He was named the winner of the John Halligan Good Guy Award for cooperation with the media in 2013-14 and received the Lars-Erik Sjoberg Award as the Rangers’ Best Rookie in Training Camp in 2007.

The Thunder Bay, Ontario native was originally selected by the Rangers in the first round, 12th overall, of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

Unless the Red Wings trade one this year or next, the 2021 draft is now slated to be their third consecutive draft with three second round picks.

Last year, Detroit got Antti Tuomisto, Albert Johansson and Robert Mastrosimone in round 2.— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) September 26, 2020

Red Wings now owns the following picks in 2021:

1st
2nd
2nd (NYR-Staal)
2nd (EDM-Athanasiou)
3rd
3rd (VGK-Tatar)
4th
5th
6th
7th#RedWings— The Draft Analyst (@TheDraftAnalyst) September 26, 2020

This is the Red Wings using cap space to add future assets. Staal is a UFA after next season and will be a useful player on a rebuilding team.— Josh Beneteau (@jbenny15) September 26, 2020

This is a good deal as far as I’m concerned. Staal + a 2021 2nd for “future considerations,” a.k.a. “please make him go away so we can have some cap space, thanks.”

Staal more or less replaces Ericsson/Daley and is a bit of an upgrade on both.— George Malik (@georgemalik) September 26, 2020

Was wondering when Yzerman would use that cap space to add picks. More draft capital for a team that needs as much as it can get … https://t.co/boZ8C0Zohm— John Niyo (@JohnNiyo) September 26, 2020

Now that Yzerman has spent his Saturday accumulating veterans via the Gagner re-signing and the Staal deal, I hope he LETS THE KIDS PLAY, but that’s just me.— George Malik (@georgemalik) September 26, 2020

As significant of a character piece as Marc Staal was after 892 games in New York, this is a critical deal for #NYR.

His $5.7 million allows Rangers space to re-sign RFA DeAngelo. Some breathing room now.

DET buys experience and a 2nd round pick for $4.2 million real dollars. https://t.co/VHlxV6UYFm— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 26, 2020

OUCH:

The salary dumping continues. Teams like Detroit well-positioned to add assets like this (and more when Staal traded at 2021 deadline). https://t.co/De7EFVuCB6— James Mirtle (@mirtle) September 26, 2020

From Draft Day to today, for 13 years of determination, leadership and memories:

Thank you, Marc Staal. pic.twitter.com/8DTbIJseoL— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 26, 2020

Steve Yzerman casually buying a draft pick an hour before the core he built starts a potential Stanley Cup clinching game.

Power move.— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) September 26, 2020

Staal’s cap hit is 5.7 million…his cash hit is 4.2 million for the last year of his deal. https://t.co/5FXJokiJbY— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) September 26, 2020

Staal’s cap hit is 5.7 million…his cash hit is 4.2 million for the last year of his deal. https://t.co/5FXJokiJbY— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) September 26, 2020

Via the Detroit News’s ever-wise Gregg Krupa:

Wielding that cap space.

As an aside, I cannot picture him in a DET jersey. https://t.co/ROPt7Wim0Q— Sean Tierney (@ChartingHockey) September 26, 2020

Marc Staal (traded to Detroit with a sweetener second in return for nothing whatsoever) is the kind of player you trade away with a sweetener in exchange for nothing whatsoever. pic.twitter.com/bN0kzY5Btl— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) September 26, 2020

Here’s Helene St. James’ initial report:

Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman acquired a veteran defenseman and second-round pick on Saturday.

Yzerman traded for Marc Staal and a draft pick in 2021 from the New York Rangers in exchange for future considerations.

Staal, 33, appeared in 52 games with the Rangers last season, recording two goals and nine assists. He had one goal in three playoff games.

A 13-year NHL veteran, Staal is a former first-round pick (12th overall in 2005). He has one year left on a contract with a $.57 million cap hit.

Yzerman has focused on acquiring draft picks since being named manager of the Wings in April 2019. The Wings currently hold 20 draft picks combined over the next two NHL drafts.

Marc Staal has one year left on his contract at $5.7 million. He’s a left-shot D. Only other left-shot D #RedWings have are Danny DeKeyser, Patrik Nemeth and Dennis Cholowski. Wings now have 3 second-round picks in 2021 as well as in upcoming draft.— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) September 26, 2020

After acquiring D Marc Staal from NY for future considerations, we now show the #RedWings with $27,375,000 in projected cap space based on a roster of 14 (8F-4D-2G).

Notable RFA’s include:
F Tyler Bertuzzi
F Anthony Manthahttps://t.co/67Cuh1HPyi pic.twitter.com/jtE7q558hb— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) September 26, 2020

Marc Staal is one of the most genuine, respectful, and caring people I covered in 15 years at the NY Post. I wish him nothing but the best. https://t.co/KjlSnVSFYJ— Brett Cyrgalis (@BrettCyrgalis) September 26, 2020

Marc Staal has 1 year remaining on his contract at a cap hit of $5,700,000, but $4,200,000 in actual salary ($1,000,000 of which has already been paid out as a SB on July 1).

Staal also had a full NMC, meaning that he had to waive it in order to allow the trade to happen. https://t.co/jVb6oZQKAi— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) September 26, 2020

So the long story long is that the Red Wings have enough space to go after Torey Krug (if they want to), re-sign Mantha an Bertuzzi, and get a goaltender for a reasonable price.

Update #2: Here’s MLive’s Ansar Khan on the deal:

Staal, 33, will enter the final year of his contract. He appeared in 52 games this past season, picking up two goals, nine assists and 16 penalty minutes, with a plus-5 rating. The 12th overall selection in the 2005 draft, Staal has played his entire 13-year career with the Rangers, appearing in 892 games and collecting 43 goals and 145 assists, posting a plus-46 rating.

Staal (6-4, 209) gives the Red Wings another left-shooting defenseman, joining Danny DeKeyser, Patrik Nemeth, and, if he makes the roster, Dennis Cholowski.

Yzerman said the Staal trade accomplishes a couple things. The Red Wings are looking for future assets as part of their rebuild, but they’re also trying to be competitive and improve. They get a second-round pick, and Staal plugs a hole.— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) September 26, 2020

After the trade, #RedWings have 3 2nd round picks this year (EDM for Athanasiou & WAS for Jensen), and 3 2nd round picks next year (EDM for Athanasiou & NYR for Staal).

In next 2 drafts they have 12 picks in the first 3 round (2 1sts, 6 2nd’s, 4 3rd’s)https://t.co/mkuIe9MZJm https://t.co/SqRPFDotoT pic.twitter.com/hi8Y99VYZT— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) September 26, 2020

Yzerman said Ericsson and Daley are not coming back, so that’s two spots on the left side that need to be filled. Staal fits in on the left side.— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) September 26, 2020

Yzerman confirms the team is not bringing back Daley or Ericsson— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) September 26, 2020

Does sound like Staal is projected to slot into the lineup as of now.— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) September 26, 2020

#RedWings Yzerman confirms on media call that veteran D-men Jonathan Ericsson and Trevor Daley won’t return.— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) September 26, 2020

Yzerman says Staal’s no-move clause did not apply in this case, but doesn’t want to elaborate.— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) September 26, 2020

After acquiring Staal ($5.7M Cap Hit), #RedWings have $55.76M Cap Hit (incl $1.67M Dead Cap Hit) w/ 17 Projected (10F/6D/1G) for $25.74M Cap Space.

RFA’s: Erne, Mantha, Bertuzzi, Perlini, Ehn, Timashov, Bowey

UFA’s: Daley, Ericsson, Goloubef, Howardhttps://t.co/HAIiEpHuTX— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) September 26, 2020

Yzerman said Gagner fills a hole — right shot at forward, good on the power play, character person. The Red Wings are trying add veterans who can help younger players and the culture of the organization.— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) September 26, 2020

Yzerman said the Red Wings are in position to do more deals like this in the future if they come along. There’s a lot of uncertainty in the NHL. The Red Wings could find teams that need cap space.— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) September 26, 2020

Yzerman said the Staal trade accomplishes a couple things. The Red Wings are looking for future assets as part of their rebuild, but they’re also trying to be competitive and improve. They get a second-round pick, and Staal plugs a hole.— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) September 26, 2020

Steve Yzerman said tonight they’ll look at Robby Fabbri at center some this year.— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) September 26, 2020

Yzerman will be watching tonight. He said he would be really happy for the Lightning organization if they win the Stanley Cup, and for the Tampa Bay community. “I think it would be fantastic.”— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) September 27, 2020

Just spoke to one of the Rangers coaches and said he’s a quality guy and will be great in the locker room.— David Pfeiffer (@RBZmeASAP) September 27, 2020

Steve Yzerman on the Lightning’s chance to win the Cup: “I definitely will watch. I’m not sure if it’s satisfaction, but I’d be really happy for the organization.”

Yzerman listed friends and former colleagues by name, and gives credit to the Tampa Bay hockey market and fans.— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) September 27, 2020

Red Wings are taking on Marc Staal’s contract, acquiring a second round pick from the Rangers to do so. https://t.co/FFw3PEBfB4— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) September 27, 2020

Steve Yzerman said the Red Wings are not bringing back Trevor Daley or Jonathan Ericsson. pic.twitter.com/Xntb5P1Rb5— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) September 27, 2020

Marc Staal has been a consummate professional year in and year out. His genuine goodness and decency will be missed in New York. https://t.co/NU7w1ZcVsT— Allan Kreda (@akreda) September 27, 2020

#RedWings Yzerman said Staal fills a hole, especially since Ericsson and Daley are not coming back. Also said besides Glendening, Gagner is only right-shot forward on current roster and he can play PP and like Staal, serve that veteran role to help younger players.— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) September 27, 2020

I asked Steve Yzerman if he had any appetite to do more deals like this, using his cap space to acquire picks, this offseason. Here’s his answer: pic.twitter.com/Q6OgiASLpR— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) September 27, 2020

Update #4: Here’s the Detroit News’s Report:

“The trade accomplishes a couple of things,” Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said on a video conference call on Saturday night.

“As part of our rebuilding process, we’re trying to add draft picks, prospects, young players and future assets to really help us down the line. In this trade, we get a second-round pick in the 2021 draft but we also have to ice a team and be competitive at the same time. Not only do we get a defenseman that will go right into our lineup and plug a huge hole for us, we add future assets as well.”

Steve Yzerman spent nine seasons with the Lightning.

“I think it’d be wonderful, and I’d be thrilled for them to win,” he said tonight. pic.twitter.com/ouN9XbXYPD— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) September 27, 2020

“In this deal, not only do we get a defenseman that will go right into our lineup, that plugs a huge hole for us, we add future assets as well.”

Full ?️: https://t.co/50dD1mETyk pic.twitter.com/cOK8Whlcdp— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 27, 2020

Update #5: Here’s more from MLive’s Khan…

“We have cap space, we have roster spots to fill, (but) we have to be careful … you can get to the cap very quickly, but we’re in a position to potentially do future deals like this, if they come along,” Yzerman said. “They don’t happen a lot.

“There’s so much uncertainty in the league right now. We don’t really know when we’re starting, what the landscape is going to look like next year. For the Red Wings, we do have cap space, we can use it. I hope to use it wisely but one way we would like to try to use it is to acquire future assets should any teams be in a position where they have to move contracts and don’t have any other options. Nobody wants to give up picks or prospects, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do to make your team better. We’re trying to add picks or prospects and at the same time ice a team.”

The Red Wings’ decision to not re-sign Ericsson and Daley was expected. Both are 36 and battled through injuries the past couple of seasons.

Ericsson, 36, was the last player selected in the 2002 draft (291st overall). He played his entire NHL career with the Red Wings, appearing in 680 games (27 goals, 98 assists). He was waived on multiple occasions this past season, playing in only 18 games for Detroit and 10 for the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Daley, who the Red Wings signed to a three-year contract in 2017 as a free agent, had no goals and seven assists in 43 games in 2019-20.

Update #7: Here’s even more from the Free Press’s Helene St. James:

“The trade accomplishes a couple things,” Yzerman said during an evening Zoom call. “One, as part of our rebuilding process, we’re trying to add draft picks, prospects, young players — future assets, really, to help us down the line. That’s where we are. In this trade, we get a second-round pick in the 2021 draft.

“But also we have to ice a team. We’re trying to improve at the same time. In this deal, not only do we get a defenseman that will go right into our lineup, we add future assets as well.” 

The Wings owe the Rangers future considerations, trade-speak for a late-round draft pick. 

Staal, 33, is a former first-round pick, All-Star and veteran of 892 NHL games with the Rangers. The 6-4, 209-pound defender slots onto the left side with Danny DeKeyser and Patrik Nemeth. The Wings had cap and roster room to add Staal with the departures of, among others, Trevor Daley and Jonathan Ericsson. 

“Marc fits in nicely,” Yzerman said. “He’s a good, solid defender. Nice size. He’s been in the league a long time.” 

Update #8: Here’s more from DetroitRedWings.com’s Dana Wakiji:

”The trade accomplishes a couple things,” executive vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman said in a Saturday night Zoom call. “One, as part of our rebuilding process we’re trying to add draft picks, prospects, young players and future assets to help us down the line. That’s kind of where we are.

“In this trade, we get a second-round pick in the ’21 draft but also we have to ice a team. We’re trying to be competitive, we trying to improve at the same time. In this deal not only do we get a defenseman who’ll go right into our lineup, that plugs a huge hole for us, but we add future assets as well.”

Sandwiched in between the Gagner and Staal deals, the Wings also signed center Turner Elson, who has spent the last three seasons with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, to a one-year extension.

One thing that made Staal an attractive asset was he is a left-shot defenseman.

The only other left-shot defensemen on the Wings roster are Danny DeKeyser, Patrik Nemeth and Dennis Cholowski.

“We’re looking to fill spots on the left and right sides,” Yzerman said. “He plugs a huge hole on our D. We won’t be bringing back Jonathan Ericsson, we won’t be bringing back Trevor Daley, so there’s two spots on our left side that need to be filled. We have Patrik Nemeth, Danny DeKeyser. Marc Staal fits in nicely on the left side. He’s a good, solid defender, good size, he’s been in the league a long time, he’s a good penalty killer, so he plugs a hole for us on the back end.”