New York Rangers trade rumors: Derek Stepan on trading block
The New York Rangers are discussing a Derek Stepan trade with a variety of teams.
The New York Rangers are exploring every option available to improve their team. One of them could involve trading alternate captain Derek Stepan. With the emergence of Kevin Hayes and Mika Zibanejad, the Rangers have an abundance of centers. Stepan is the one who likely has the most trade value. According to Bob McKenzie, the Rangers are shopping him.
NYR centre Derek Stepan's name is fairly prominent in trade chatter. Stepan's contract has four more years with AAV of $6M.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 14, 2017
Stepan is coming off a 55 point season in 2016-17. During last season, he put up 17 goals and his 55 points is tied for the second most of his career. However, Stepan faltered in the postseason, especially against the Ottawa Senators. While he had four points in that series, he had just one goal. And Stepan came up mighty empty in Game 6, with just two shots on goal and a plus-minus rating of -2.
However, what’s most relevant to his trade talks is his contract. After July 1, Stepan will have a full no-trade clause. So the Rangers are likely just seeing if anyone’s interested in giving them a lot for him. With New York not having any issues protecting who they want in the expansion draft, this could be a trade they do at the NHL Draft. After July 1, Stepan would have to approve any trade.
Next: NHL Mock Expansion Draft
The Rangers will likely seek a younger center in return. That’s precisely what they did last season when they traded Derick Brassard to the Senators for Zibanejad (and a second round pick). However, the Rangers could also seek a quality defenseman, especially after buying out long-time blue liner Dan Girardi. Stepan has four years remaining on his contract with an annual cap hit of $6.5 million. His full no trade clause turns into a limited no trade clause after the 2018-19 season.