A native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Marc was selected 12th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Rangers and made his NHL player debut in 2007. Known as an excellent skater and defender, he was selected to play in the 2011 NHL All-Star game.

Internationally, Staal played for Team Canada in the 2006 and 2007 U20 World Junior Championships bringing home gold both times. He was named the tournament’s top defenceman in the 2006 Championships.