Staal (back) will be back in the roster for Saturday's meeting with Detroit.

EDGE Analysis

Staal's restoration in the depth chart comes after a short two-game absence, but will be much needed to bolster the Rangers' blue line. Despite his crucial contributions on the ice, the 28-year-old has been unable to find the scoresheet and is currently bogged down in a nine-game point drought. The defenseman's lack of production on the year, two goals and 11 assists in 62 outings, gives him a low-end fantasy value for daily lineup.

Staal (back) expects to return to the lineup Saturday against the Red Wings, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.

EDGE Analysis

After returning from an illness, Staal saw action in just one game before back spasms sidelined him for two more contests. It appears that stretch may come to an end Saturday, with the veteran indicating that he intends to play. Expect another update on the veteran blueliner Saturday confirming his status, but even when healthy his fantasy upside remains limited (13 points in 62 games).

Staal (back) will miss the matchup with Buffalo on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Staal's injury, along with that of fellow blueliner Dylan McIlrath will force the Rangers to call a player up from the AHL prior to Tuesday's contest. Not exactly a prolific scorer, the 28-year-old will still be dissatisfied with his performance this season, as he's logged a meager two goals and 13 assists in 62 outings. The defenseman is averaging under 20 minutes of ice time this year, which restricts his ability to put up big fantasy numbers.

Staal is dealing with back spasms and won't play Sunday against the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

As a result, Dylan McIlrath will be in the Rangers' blue line mix Sunday, while we'll consider Staal -- who has 13 points and 28 PIM in 62 games to date -- day-to-day in advance of Tuesday's game against the Sabres.

Staal is dealing with an illness and didn't skate Sunday morning, leaving his status in question for the matchup later in the day with the Islanders, NHL.com's Dan Rosen reports.

EDGE Analysis

Staal's bout with the flu prevented him from suiting up Thursday against the Penguins, but he was able to return the following night against the Capitals. However, he only skated 14:33 in that contest, more than five minutes below his season average. It appears the flu symptoms haven't completed gone away yet for Staal, who will likely be reevaluated closer to game time before a decision on his status for Sunday is rendered.

Staal (illness) will be back in the lineup Friday against the Capitals, Andrew Gross of The Record reports.

EDGE Analysis

After skipping out on Thursday's game due to illness, Staal was considered a game-time call Friday. It appears he felt well enough during pregame warmups to play, so Dylan McIlrath will instead serve as the healthy scratch. Despite his return to the lineup, the veteran blueliner averages less than one shot per game, and has just 13 points in 61 games, so most of his value comes in daily formats and season-long leagues where blocked shots (97) are counted.

Staal will miss Thursday's game against the Penguins due to an illness, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Staal's departure shouldn't rattle too many fantasy leagues, but for the few out there that do have a share, it's worth noting that the veteran will at least miss Thursday's contest due to the issue. He does have 13 total points (11 assists) on the campaign, but much of his value comes in leagues that use blocked shots (97) as a stat, plus the fact that he logs nearly 20 minutes of ice time on average. Dylan McIlrath draws into the lineup in his place, but provides even less fantasy upside, while Staal's next chance to play now comes Friday against the Capitals.

Staal (lower body) will be in the lineup Thursday night against the Blues.

EDGE Analysis

The Rangers will get a lift on the blue line Thursday with the return of Staal and Ryan McDonagh (head). Staal is not a flashy defenseman, but the 29-year-old works well within his own zone and makes it tough for opponents to get around his 6-foot-4, 207-pound frame. He's averaging 19:54 of ice time this season, the fourth-highest output on the Rangers.

Staal will miss Tuesday's game against the Devils with a lower-body injury, Andrew Gross of The Record reports.

EDGE Analysis

Staal skated over 25 minutes in each of the last two games, so it's unclear when he sustained the injury, but coach Alain Vigneault indicated he expects the blueliner to travel with the team for Thursday's game against the Blues. Brady Skjei was recalled from the AHL earlier in the day and will take his spot in the lineup.

Staal (personal) will play in Thursday's game against the Maple Leafs.

EDGE Analysis

A day after his wife gave birth to the couple's second child, Staal appears ready to hit the ice with his teammates again Thursday in Toronto. The veteran blueliner doesn't do one thing really well for fantasy owners, but he does contribute on both ends of the ice. He should once again pair with Kevin Klein in his return, while Dylan McIlrath will serve as the healthy scratch among defensemen Thursday.