Rangers Saviour?

It’s a big statement to make about a kid guy that still hasn’t played a pro game at any level. So what is it about Derek Stepan that offers the Rangers such hope and excitement?

Drafted 51^st overall in 2008, the Hastings born Stepan has played in strong programs throughout his young career and has produced wherever he has been. Playing two years at the hockey factory that is Shattuck-St. Mary’s (think Sid Crosby, Zach Parise, Jon Toews etc) Stepan tallied 192 points in two years before going to the NCAA powerhouse Wisconsin Badgers. In 2 Wisconsin seasons thus far Stepan continued to elevate his game. A solid rookie year – 33 points in 40 games – was followed up with an impressive 54 point season (in just 41 games) which culminated in a Frozen Four Final berth.  Stepan quickly became a go-to player for the Badgers.  What perhaps excites Rangers fans more however, is how Stepan raised his game even further on the international stage. Stepan took over the 2010 World Juniors and led the Americans to gold as captain and led the entire tourney in points with 14 in just 7 games. Voted on to the all star team at the tournament , Stepan keeps elite company when one considers the line up featured Alex Pietrangelo, John Carlson, Jordan Eberle and Nino Niederreiter – all elite prospects. Stepan also has blood lines on his side. Derek’s father Brad was a 5^th round pick of the Rangers which was the same draft year (‘85) as Mike Richter.

Looking back at Stepan’s development so far it’s easy to get excited. Whether it’s at prep level, NCAA level or at international level Derek Stepan has succeeded. Considered mature and a good character and having already displayed excellent leadership at various levels, Stepan seems bound for a good pro career. Opportunity (and success) requires being in the right place at the right time and coupled with his talent is the fact the Rangers are crying out for impact at center. As soon as Stepan decides the time is right to leave college he will likely get a shot at making the Rangers straight away and will be given every chance to succeed.

Rangers fans therefore may be thinking: So where will Stepan fit in? Considered close to pro-ready now, it’s likely that in 12 months time Stepan will be able to make the Rangers and hopefully take on a scoring role immediately. It will benefit the Rangers enormously (cap wise) if Stepan can grab a top 6 role when he leaves Wisconsin. With contracts like Redden’s and Drury’s still weighing heavy, cap bargains and cheap youngsters are essential for the Rangers.

Stepan’s game seems ideally suited to Marian Gaborik in that he is a pass first, defensively responsible center with great vision however the role of Gaborik’s center may be a year or two away as the Rangers would be well advised not to throw too much responsibility on Stepan’s shoulders too soon. Could he handle it? Why not. Jonathan Toews’ career took a similar path before he reached Chicago and he became an impact player from the get-go. The two players are quite comparable (another reason the Rangers faithful are so excited about Stepan) and if the Rangers can get a rookie year off Stepan like Chicago got off Toews then The Rangers will be delighted – and dangerous. While a strong rookie year is possible what would be likely? There’s no reason we won’t, can’t see a 15 goal 40 point rookie campaign when he does make the Rangers. As we have seen, Stepan doesn’t appear to rush a decision so he won’t come to NY until he’s ready to make an immediate impact.

For those watching Stepan’s every move, you may be watching a saviour in the making.