Derek Stepan

New York Rangers: Derek Stepan is a Valuable Veteran Presence

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

When Derek Stepan broke into the NHL in 2010, the New York Rangers knew they had something special. Yet, did they know it would be as special as a hat trick in his first career game?

In the last six years, Derek Stepan has been one of the most consistence New York Rangers on the ice. In his six-year career, Stepan has collected 111 goals, 194 assists, with 305 points. Along with the regular season, you can’t forget about his postseason numbers.

In 85 career playoff games, Derek has 17 goals, 26 assists, and 43 points. His biggest postseason goal has to be the goal he scored in the second round against the Washington Capitals in overtime of Game 7. Not only this but let’s not forget when he played with a broken Jaw in the 2014-15 postseason.

2015-2016 Traditional Stats

Games Played: 72

Goals: 22

Assists: 31

Points: 53

Plus/Minus: 5

S%: 11.5

FOW%: 46.69

Season In Review

Entering the 2015-16 season Derek Stepan and the New York Rangers agreed to a deal worth $39 million over six six years, he will average $6.5 million per season. With the numbers he put up during the season, it looks as if the Rangers made the right choice by locking him up long-term.

The 26-year-old center is entering what is assumed to be the prime of his career. However, last season, Derek Stepan missed ten games with broken ribs, which were injured after Boston Bruins forward Matt Beleskey leveled him. Despite the injury, Stepan was still able to record a career high 22 goals and face-off winning percentage.

The positive for the fans of the Rangers; Stepan looked to turned it up near the end of the season, where he put up seven points in just five games. Like the team, Stepan struggled during the postseason, only scoring twice, all in game one.

Upcoming Schedule

10/3at Philadelphia Flyers10/4at New York Islanders10/6Philadelphia Flyers10/13New York Islanders10/15at St. Louis Blues

Projected 2016-2017 Stats

Games Played: 74

Goals: 20

Assists: 36

Points: 56

Plus/Minus: 15

S%: 12.0

FOW%: 46.0

Reasoning:

Although Stepan is only 26, he is one of the veterans at the position for the Rangers. I expect Stepan to build off of this and be a leader for the younger centers. I don’t think he will disappoint.

The biggest concern is staying healthy. This season the role expected for Stepan will be at the highest it has been in his career. The possible line, Stepan centering Chris Kreider and Mats Zuccarello. The line would be the Rangers first line. Kreider, Stepan, and Zuccarello played together last year and had success, so why not keep them together?

There is no secret that the competition at the World Cup was at an all time high. There were a talented amount of centers on the USA team or any team. I believe that Stepan will come back to the Rangers and continue where he left off last season.