When the New York Rangers bought out Brad Richards in June, they not only freed up cap space, but they officially gave Derek Stepan autonomy. Stepan has occupied top-line minutes over the past few seasons, but with Richards around there was always the possibility that Alain Vigneault could count on him to be the guy at key moments.
Richards was in decline, but his veteran experience and leadership was a big plus for the Rangers. Now that he is gone, Stepan has become the biggest part of the Blueshirts' center depth.
The Rangers' 2008 second-round draft pick is in the last year of a two-year bridge contract that was signed last summer, and another solid season could earn him a nice paycheck. However, will Stepan truly establish himself as a true No. 1 center this season?
Before answering the question, here is a definition of a true No. 1 center. A true No. 1 center is a forward that is both an offensive dynamo and proficient defensively, or a solid two-way player with above-average offensive and defensive abilities.
They are also players who have enough talent to make a difference, and often make ot ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Tom Urtz Jr.
Will Derek Stepan Establish Himself as a True No. 1 Center in 2014-15?
September 4th, 2014 by Tom Urtz Jr. Leave a reply »
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