TheFinalWord said:
Correct. Although it's probably the best place for his development, he can't play in Hartford next year. I would guess he ends up back in Sudbury at some point, but you never know.
Actually, Staal could play in Hartford this year now that his junior team is done for the season. Islanders prospect Ryan O'Marra signed and is playing with Bridgeport of the AHL because his team, the Erie Otters, is done for the season. O'Marra, like Staal just finished his 18-year-old season in junior hockey. The Rangers do have the option to send Staal to Hartford if they want.
Next season, however, will be Staal's 19-year-old season, so New York will have to choose between having him in the NHL or the OHL. The only way he could play in the AHL would be on a 10-game conditioning assignment after being sent down from the NHL. At that point, the Rangers would have to make a decision to keep him in the NHL, or send him back to his junior team.