There can be no doubt Derek Stepan is vital to the future of the New York Rangers. When it comes to talent, effort and putting the puck in the net, Stepan is one of the most dependable players on the team.
So why are the Rangers treating him like chattel?
Because Stepan is a restricted free agent and the Rangers are not compelled to pay him a big-money contract. They can play hardball with him, as hockey insider Bob McKenzie tweeted, and offer him a short-term deal with the promise that they will give him a big-time contract in the future.
That's what vice president and general manager Glen Sather can do. But is that what they really want to do? Do they want to push around one of their best young assets because they can? Do they want to hide behind the salary cap when they have a new coach coming in to raise the team's overall level and install an offense that will allow the Rangers to compete with the best teams in the Eastern Conference?
That's just what Alain Vigneault wants to do. The new Rangers coach has a proven track record from his four years with the Montreal Canadiens and five years with the Van ...
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Article written by Steve Silverman
Who’s Holding More Cards in Contract Talks: Derek Stepan or New York Rangers?
September 3rd, 2013 by Steve Silverman Leave a reply »
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