Tortorella said he expects Staal to be ready for the regular-season opener against the Kings on Oct. 7 in Stockholm, Sweden but Staal will not play in at least the first three preseason games, all in North America. Tortorella hopes to get Staal into one of the four European preseason games.
Staal is dealing with concussion-like symptoms. a phrase the hockey world has grown to know all too well. The Rangers will play it safe with their alternate captain as he represents a great deal of their, and Henrik Lundqvist's, defensive success.
