With the loss of Chris Drury for the first few games of the regular season with a broken finger, the Rangers will need to find a short-term replacement for the center. Enter 20-year-old Derek Stepan. So far, Stepan has impressed the important people who make the decisions for the Rangers and has even caught the eye of NHL.com writer Dave Lozo.
"It's tough to see where he'd fit, but if he keeps playing like he is right now, he'd certainly deserve [a roster spot]," Lozo told me via Twitter.
Coach John Tortorella told newyorkrangers.com that Stepan "is a very mature, very humble, kid." Who knows if that's what it will take for the 20-year-old to take advantage of the opportunity he has been given?
In their first exhibition game, Stepan centered the Gaborik-Frolov line for the first two periods and notched an assist on Gaborik's goal early in the first period.
The Rangers know that Stepan will bring youth and energy to the team if he is able to grab the spot left vacant by the injured Drury. If Stepan can step up and play well throughout the remaining time in camp and if he makes the team and plays well in the early part of the regular se ...
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Article written by Mike Stainkamp
New York Rangers Need Derek Stepan To Step Up, Claim Spot
September 29th, 2010 by Mike Stainkamp Leave a reply »
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