from Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey Now,

Here are five reasons why the Red Wings believe he is a valuable player:

1. Still Getting The Job Done

Plus-minus numbers can often be misleading. But Staal’s +5 speaks truth to power. He’s the only Red Wing on the roster today that has a plus rating. The Red Wings have five players worse than -20, including defenseman Filip Hronek who is -27. Nick Leddy was -33 when the Red Wings shipped him to the St. Louis Blues. Gus Lindstrom and Danny Dekeyser are -10 and -11, respectively. Even Moritz Seider, who has enjoyed a terrific season, is -3.

Staal’s +5 doesn’t stand out by itself. But in comparison to what has has happened to his teammates, it pops out. Only Seider hits more regularly than Staal. Staal is a dependable penalty killer. He’s never been known as an offensive magician, but will surprise you with his instincts. He sometimes catches defenses flat-footed when he joins the offensive attack. Staal has more shots on goal (64) than Nick Leddy who is known as an offensive defenseman. He has his first two-goal game recently.

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