Allan Muir at SI.com takes a look at a number of young players who are worth watching in camp this season including Derek Stepan...Derek Stepan, New York Rangers
The 6-0, 187-pound center broke the hearts of Badger Nation, leaving the University of Wisconsin after his sophomore year to sign a three-year deal with the Rangers. Based on his showing at the recent Traverse City prospects tournament, he might be ready to jump directly from college to the Big, White Way. He tied for the scoring lead at the eight-team event with Carolina first-rounder Jeff Skinner and dazzled scouts with his passing prowess...
The 6-0, 187-pound center broke the hearts of Badger Nation, leaving the University of Wisconsin after his sophomore year to sign a three-year deal with the Rangers. Based on his showing at the recent Traverse City prospects tournament, he might be ready to jump directly from college to the Big, White Way. He tied for the scoring lead at the eight-team event with Carolina first-rounder Jeff Skinner and dazzled scouts with his passing prowess...
About Stepan one scout told SI.com...
"He's one of those special players who knows what's going to happen before it does."
...i know that making the leap from college to the pros is a big step (just ask Gilroy), but from what I've seen from this kid I think he can handle it.
...if Stepan has a great camp, the Ranger absolutely have to find a spot for this kid on the roster.
6 comments:
Yeup...and he's a CENTER!
hahaha I'm so excited for this kid to come up. Not only does he have good hockey sense but he's got the drive and determination to match it.
I think that a yr in Hartford is a good spot for him. The 82 game schedule,speed etc of the NHL will wear heavily on the kid. Give him a year to acclimate, whats the rush?
How is he a kid?? Derek is 20 years old now. There are 18 year old soldiers going off to war. Relax Rick, Stepan can handle the NHL.
@the king: Regardless of age, nothing was meant as a derogatory remark. He is coming off an NCAA schedule which has approx 40+games. Hardly the tough rigors of an NHL schedule. MDZ had it bad and disappeared after half the season just for that same reason. Making the NHL from the NCAA is a tough jump - even for Gilroy who is what 25? and still had it tough with the skill set making the transition from college to the NHL. Just saying there is no rush in giving the kid enough time to develop the skills and physical demands before throwing him in the NHL ill prepared.
agree 100% with rick - except small pt that gilroy is now 26 - but was 25 last yr. but fully agree on stepan being best served for HIS development in the ahl this yr
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