Staal (neck), who was cleared for contact Friday, is targeting a return next Thursday on the road against the Canadiens, Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Typically, when a player proves that he can withstand contact, it means that he's on the verge of returning to action. Besides, Staal is a veteran who comes from a hockey family, so we're rather confident about the legitimacy of this return timetable that he's established on his own. We assume his status won't matter to many outside of the Big Apple, though, as Staal has just seven points (one goal, six assists) through 50 games this season; he's more of a shutdown type, unlike brothers Eric and Jordan, who slot in at forward for their respective teams.

Staal (neck) has been placed on injured reserve, according to the NHL media site.

EDGE Analysis

Staal has missed two straight games due to a neck issue stemming from an injury suffered Feb. 3 against the Predators. The team will be forced to activate him from reserve when he's healthy and ready to return, but his first opportunity to do so arrives Sunday against the Jets.

Staal was still dealing with neck issues as of Wednesday morning, ahead of a home game against the Bruins.

EDGE Analysis

This strongly implies that Staal will miss the upcoming contest, while guys like Brendan Smith and Steve Kampfer continue to round out the bottom pair.

Staal will not be available against the Stars on Monday due to a cervical strain.

EDGE Analysis

There was some concern that Staal -- who missed Monday's game-day skate -- sustained a concussion, however, the team clarified that it was in fact a cervical strain. Unfortunately, it's unclear how long this ailment could sideline the defender. Steve Kampfer should slot into the lineup in Staal's stead.

Staal left Saturday's game against the Predators with an upper-body injury and did not return.

EDGE Analysis

Though Staal is getting the "upper body" designation, he left the game after taking a big hit in the head from Alexei Emelin. Though Staal is not a fantasy fixture, he only has seven points through 50 games, this is concerning from a more human perspective. The 30-year-old has a history of concussions, so any shot to the head is a cause for alarm.

Staal (lower body) will play in Sunday's tilt against Los Angeles.

EDGE Analysis

Staal was only sidelined two games with his ailment, and will return to a rather thin Rangers blue line, especially now that Kevin Shattenkirk (knee) was deemed to be out indefinitely Friday. With the 31-year-old in the lineup Steve Kampfer will take a turn in the press box, and Staal will look to build off the seven points (one goal, six assists) he posted in 41 games prior to his absence.

Staal (lower body) has a 50-50 chance of playing in Sunday's road game against the Kings, Steve Zipay of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Staal picked up the lower-body ailment in Tuesday's game against the Flyers, which preceded even more bad news for the Rangers. Now, puck-moving defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk will need surgery to repair a torn meniscus, which has prompted the team to summon Anthony DeAngelo from AHL Hartford. Staal is going to miss Saturday's road match with the Avalanche, but he'll be reevaluated ahead of the weekend capper against the Kings.

Staal (lower body) will not return for either of the team's contests this weekend.

EDGE Analysis

Staal will miss at least the first two games of the team's upcoming road trip as a result, and there's a chance the team will recall some bodies from the AHL affiliate to provide additional depth along the blue line. Staal's next opportunity to return arrives Tuesday against the Ducks, though whether or not he joins the team on its road trip could be a sign of whether or not he plans to play at all on the four-game west coast swing.

Staal (lower body) will not play in Thursday's game against the Sabres, Steve Zipay of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Staal exited Tuesday's game against the Flyers due to the malady and, although he's rehabbing, the blueliner will be forced to miss at least one game. Steve Kampfer will replace Staal in Thursday's lineup, though neither of the two possesses a ton of fantasy in the majority of formats. Staal's next opportunity to dress arrives Saturday against the Avalanche.

Staal sustained a lower-body injury in Tuesday night's game against the Flyers, and he will not return.

EDGE Analysis

Staal was having a fantastic game before departing, as he picked up an apple and skated to a plus-4 rating over 14:09 of ice time. View him as day-to-day until more information comes out from the team.