Source: Rangers, Staal nearing 6-year extension

Marc Staal was set to become a free agent July 1. (Kyusung Gong/AP)

The New York Rangers are nearing a six-year extension with defenceman Marc Staal, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

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Staal, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1, will earn around $5.7 million annually in his new deal.

The 28-year-old has appeared in all 41 games for the Rangers this season. He has one goal and seven points while averaging 22:03 of ice time per game.

Staal was drafted 12th overall by the Rangers in the 2005 NHL draft. The 6-foot-4, 207-pound blueliner has 28 goals and 118 points in 501 career games.

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