A Glimpse Into The Future
Their names have been talked about alot this year but please remember them: Derek Stepan, Ryan McDonagh and Chris Kreider. All 3 will, sooner rather than later, be key contributors for the New York Rangers.
Rangers fans rightly will have all eyes fixed to tonights massive game against the Flyers as it’s now down to lose and you’re out thanks to Boston winning Thursday night but those who like a glimpse into the future can sit back and enjoy a treat as the NCAA frozen four final will feature all 3 of the above named players on Saturday on ESPN2.
Thanks to routs of 8-1 and 7-1 respectively Thursday, Stepan and McDonagh’s Wisconsin and Kreider’s Boston College have eased into the final, which should be a grand affair.
Derek Stepan, in my opinion was unfortunate not to get Hobey Baker award consideration. The kid has 52 points in 40 college games and led his conference in assists. He has been simply dominating. In last nights semi he proved he can score by bagging two goals. If you throw in the way he led USA to world junior gold and led the tourney in scoring, personally i think he’s up there as one of the best in NCAA this year – as a 2nd year player. He’s a blue chip talent. He may even be pro ready, though we’ll temper that enthusiasm for now…
Ryan Mcdonagh and Chris Kreider also have both played very well while it seems McDonagh is pro ready. Whether its in Hartford or New York remains to be seen but there’s no reason he cannot make the same jump Marc Staal did. He has a very nice, rounded game and is physically ready for the demands he’ll face. The summer will be exciting to see if he signs and turns pro.
Kreider on the other hand is benefiting from good line mates (the drafted Ben Smith and Jimmy Hayes) and being in a powerhouse program that’s teaching him exactly what he needs at this point; refined hockey sense and two way play. He clearly can already score (14 goals as an NCAA rookie is no mean feat, nor is leading the WJC in goals) and is having an excellent rookie year.
These three are clearly a huge part of the Rangers future so sit back and enjoy the frozen four final after enjoying a Rangers win Friday!
By the way, here’s a Q&A with Chris Kreider provided by hockeys future.
By Dave, April 9, 2010 @ 9:53 am
Derek Stepan sounds like McLovin. It’s creepy.
jurgenno88 Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 10:39 am
Well lets just hope he’s better at hockey than Mclovin who i think its safe to say, isnt a great hockey player!
I’ll be honest, i remember at the time we drafted Stepan i was slightly disappointed because there some very highly touted names left into the 2nd round at the time and i wanted one of them instead. I hadnt heard of Stepan. I gues this is why im not a pro scout!
The way he has developed in 2 years has been exceptional. Other than perhaps his frame i dont see much more he needs to develop in the NCAA. However the fact he is in such a strong program means we dont have to worry about him going stale.
He could be a great addition in the future. Our NCAA drafting has been good recently. I like the look of Carl Hagelin too.
By Dave, April 9, 2010 @ 11:26 am
Both he and McDonagh will be age eligible to play in the AHL next year, so I hope they both move there.