Marc Staal injury: Rangers defenseman expected to make full recovery

While the future of visors in the game is cemented, the same can’t be said of Staal’s career. Given the unpredictable nature of head-related injuries, Staal’s ability to return to world-class form is still something to observe.

With that being said, the 26-year-old defender believes that he has returned to normal and will be ready to play in the 2013-14 regular season, via ESPN.com:

While he believes the eye will not fully heal, Staal expects to be able to play at the same level as he did prior to the injury. He confirmed that he was feeling improved this week.

In addition, he stated that he voted in a poll by the NHL Players’ Association to make visors mandatory for all players immediately. He was not wearing a visor at the time of the incident.

Staal returned to action for Game 3 after missing two months due to the injury. He compiled 17:17 of ice time over 21 shifts in the contest. However, he was unable to play in Game 4 and stated on Friday that he likely won’t be available to play in the remainder of the series.

Staal was unwilling to go into the specifics of what was keeping him out of the lineup. He stated nothing out of the ordinary occurred during Game 3 and he didn’t determine until the morning of Game 4 that he wouldn’t be able to play.

Staal stated it was going to be difficult to sit out a playoff game. However, he was able to practice with the team on Thursday and felt comfortable while doing so. He explained that he has seen all situations in practice and is attempting to regain his confidence. Staal’s main concern is being a positive contributor for the team. Noting how successful the defense corps has been of late, Staal doesn’t want to compromise their production by returning prematurely.

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Fortunately, that was not the case.

In fact, Staal and the Rangers are hopeful that he will be able to return before the end of the season.

The injury initially dialed up talk about the NHL’s safety rules, which do not require players to wear protective visors.

Staal, a first-round pick by the Rangers in 2005, has two goals and nine assists through 21 games this season. The Rangers will continue on without him for the time being, and they next face the New York Islanders on Thursday night.