Marc Staal and the Rangers are close to agreeing on a six-year contract extension, ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun reports.

Staal and the Rangers are close to agreeing on a six-year contract extension, ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun reports.

Analysis:

The deal is expected to be worth about $5.7 million per year and go into effect immediately, as Staal would otherwise be headed for unrestricted free agency after the season. With only eight points in 42 games on the campaign, Staal isn't an especially prolific defenseman for fantasy purposes, but the Rangers value him for his steady play in his own zone.