The NYR Facts Of Life: #21 Derek Stepan

For each player who suited up in a Blueshirt this season we will take the good, we will take the bad and take them both and see what we have. And this time around we started with the high numbers and are up to #21, Derek Stepan.

#21's #s: 82 games, 21 goals, 24 assists, +8, 20 PIM (5 playoff games, no goals, no assists, -5, 2 PIM).

Take the good: Stepan stepped off of campus and onto Broadway and rarely looked out of place, playing with a poise beyond his years. The rookie seized a top-six spot, played every single game and earned priceless experience in all situations. He worked hard and yet did it with a smile, showing he was comfortable being a professional. He took hit after hit after hit and bounced right back and stayed involved. Step showed skill and he showed grit and he went far beyond being that new kid with the attractive mom that MSG keeps showing.

Take the bad: There's a wall and Step hit it - at least we have to hope that was the issue and not the situation - the kid didn't get a single point in the playoffs and was -1 in every single game ... then again he played four minutes per game than he did in the regular season. He tried to do too much too often and was marginalized by stronger, more experienced defenders. After opening with a much-publicised hat trick, Step went on an 18 game drought. He averaged more than two minutes of power play time per game and had just 10 points with the man advantage.

Take them both and then we have: One of the building blocks for the new era of the Blueshirts. Stepan epitomizes the kind of leadership and character that Gordie Clark has targeted in recent drafts - you can easily see him wearing a letter someday. He is willing to pay the price to make the play and has great timing and good patience but he needs to stay involved and keep learning. Stepan needs to pick up the tricks of the game, especially those in the faceoff circle - 38.5% this year was simply awful. He showed great chemistry with Zuccarello (if only the Norge kid would shoot the damned puck occasionally) and a strong, veteran power winger could really complete a dangerous second line.

 Derek Stepan: The Playmaker's Path to NHL Stardom

Derek Stepan's journey to becoming a key player for the New York Rangers is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and determination. This article explores the life and career of Derek Stepan, delving into his early years, his development as a player, his arrival in the NHL, and his impact on the Rangers' success.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Derek Stepan - The Rangers' Playmaking Sensation

Setting the stage for an in-depth look at Derek Stepan's life and career.

The Stepan Family: Hockey Roots

Exploring Derek Stepan's upbringing in a family with a strong hockey tradition.

Youth Hockey: The Early Years

Tracing Derek Stepan's beginnings in youth hockey and his rise as a promising young talent.

College Hockey: The Wisconsin Years

Discussing Stepan's collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin and his development as a playmaker.

The NHL Draft: Rangers' Faith in Stepan

Analyzing the Rangers' decision to select Derek Stepan in the NHL Draft and the expectations that followed.

Broadway Debut: Stepan's Arrival in New York

Chronicling Stepan's transition to the NHL with the New York Rangers.

Playmaking Prowess: Stepan's Impact on the Ice

Highlighting Derek Stepan's exceptional playmaking skills and his contributions to the Rangers' success.

Leadership and Team Player: Stepan's Role Beyond the Stat Sheet

Examining Stepan's leadership qualities and his importance as a team player.

Challenges and Triumphs: Stepan's Career Milestones

Reflecting on Derek Stepan's career milestones and his ability to rise to challenges.

The Present and Future: Stepan's Continued Impact

Discussing Derek Stepan's current role with the Rangers and his potential contributions in the future.

: Derek Stepan - A Rangers' Fan Favorite

Summing up Derek Stepan's remarkable journey and his enduring legacy as a beloved Ranger.

1. Introduction: Derek Stepan - The Rangers' Playmaking Sensation

Setting the stage for an exploration of Derek Stepan's life and career as a New York Ranger.

Derek Stepan: The Rangers' playmaking sensation who captured the hearts of fans.

2. The Stepan Family: Hockey Roots

Exploring Derek Stepan's upbringing in a family with a strong hockey tradition.

The Stepan family's love for hockey laid the foundation for Derek's future success.

3. Youth Hockey: The Early Years

Tracing Derek Stepan's beginnings in youth hockey and his rise as a promising young talent.

Derek Stepan's early years on the ice shaped his destiny as a hockey player.

4. College Hockey: The Wisconsin Years

Discussing Stepan's collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin and his development as a playmaker.

Stepan's time at the University of Wisconsin honed his skills and prepared him for the NHL.

5. The NHL Draft: Rangers' Faith in Stepan

Analyzing the Rangers' decision to select Derek Stepan in the NHL Draft and the expectations that followed.

The Rangers saw immense potential in Derek Stepan, making him a crucial draft choice.

6. Broadway Debut: Stepan's Arrival in New York

Chronicling Stepan's transition to the NHL with the New York Rangers.

Derek Stepan's arrival in the Big Apple marked the beginning of his NHL journey.

7. Playmaking Prowess: Stepan's Impact on the Ice

Highlighting Derek Stepan's exceptional playmaking skills and his contributions to the Rangers' success.

Stepan's playmaking abilities have made him a vital asset on the ice.

8. Leadership and Team Player: Stepan's Role Beyond the Stat Sheet

Examining Stepan's leadership qualities and his importance as a team player.

Derek Stepan's leadership goes beyond scoring goals; he's a team player in every sense.

9. Challenges and Triumphs: Stepan's Career Milestones

Reflecting on Derek Stepan's career milestones and his ability to rise to challenges.

Stepan's career has been marked by both challenges and triumphs.

10. The Present and Future: Stepan's Continued Impact

Discussing Derek Stepan's current role with the Rangers and his potential contributions in the future.

Derek Stepan continues to be a driving force for the Rangers.

11. Conclusion: Derek Stepan - A Rangers' Fan Favorite

Summing up Derek Stepan's remarkable journey and his enduring legacy as a beloved Ranger.

Derek Stepan's journey from youth hockey to the NHL has solidified his place in Rangers' lore.