Derek Stepan, a restricted free agent, has yet to reach an agreement with the New York Rangers. As a result, he did not report to training camp, has been temporarily removed from the Rangers roster and is unlikely to be on the opening night roster, according to TSN. The two sides are reportedly negotiating over a difference in salary of approximately $500,000.
Stepan is seeking a two-year, $3.5 million per season deal, while the Rangers are looking to extend an offer no higher than two years and $3 million per season.
Although Stepan is quickly emerging as the premiere center for the Rangers as well as a future franchise player, holding out is only hurting the team and his own professional development.
If negotiations go south, the Rangers certainly have plenty of other options down the middle in Brad Richards, Derick Brassard, Brian Boyle and Dominic Moore.
Stepan's absence has even led new Rangers' bench boss Alain Vigneault to say that "right now, I’m functioning as if he’s not here."
Last year, in a lockout-abbreviated season, Stepan put up enormous numbers: 18 goals and 26 assists for 44 points in 48 games pla ...
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Article written by Rob Waters
NY Rangers’ Derek Stepan Should Sign a Bridge Contract Now
September 19th, 2013 by Rob Waters Leave a reply »
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