The New York Rangers have been searching for a bona fide No. 1 center since 1997, a time in which Mark Messier departed for the Vancouver Canucks, and Joe Sakic remained in Colorado after a failed offer sheet attempt.
Since 1997 the Blueshirts have tried out a number of players in that role, and the list includes Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Bobby Holik, Eric Lindros, Petr Nedved, Michael Nylander and Vinny Prospal among others.
Each had limited success, but none of the above were a good fit over an extended period of time. Right now the timing is perfect for the franchise to lock up their best center since Mess left the first time, because Derek Stepan clearly is the right fit and a valuable player the Rangers can't afford to lose.
The Blueshirts' top pivot is set to become a free agent this summer, and his consistency should spark the franchise to reward him with a deal that makes sure he is wearing red, white and blue for at least the next half-decade.
The timing is perfect, because the longer the Rangers wait, the more expensive it will be to retain Stepan, and they definitely don't want him ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Tom Urtz Jr.
Timing Is Perfect for New York Rangers to Sign Derek Stepan to Mega Extension
January 22nd, 2015 by Tom Urtz Jr. Leave a reply »
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