Rangers Analysis: Derek Stepan Sixth in Calder Race
by Nick Montemagno on Feb 3, 2011 6:01 AM EST
Email
PrintWith the second half of the NHL season now underway, it is time to start discussing the Calder race and which rookies have been the best performers to this point. Kevin Forbes of Hockey's Future did just that in a recent article ranking this season's top ten rookies.
Derek Stepan of the New York Rangers was ranked sixth on the list....
6. Derek Stepan, C - New York Rangers
DOB: June 18, 1990
Drafted 51st overall (2nd round) in 2008
Fourth among rookies in scoring, Derek Stepan has adjusted quickly to the NHL. In just his first year of pro hockey, the former collegiate star has seen his average ice time steadily increase as the season has gone by. More importantly, he's played in every game this year, a bit of a remarkable achievement on a Rangers squad that has been torn apart with injury over the course of the season. Currently third among New York players in scoring, Stepan has 14 goals and 30 points in 52 games this season. After originally lining up beside Marian Gaborik, the 20-year-old has lately played alongside of fellow rookie Mats Zuccarello and veteran Wojtek Wolski.
Stepan's freshman year has been nothing short of magnificent. From his opening night hat trick against the Buffalo Sabres to making the 2011 All-Star rookie squad, it has been one fabulous journey for 20-year-old DStep to this point.
Continue reading after the jump....
Not mentioned in the above excerpt was something that Derek brings to the team that doesn't show up on the scoresheet. That is leadership, and that comes with experience, which Stepan had a lot of entering the NHL. At such a young age, he's played in many meaningful games such as last year's Gold Medal game against Team Canada at the World Juniors. I've heard from many that Derek is very vocal in the locker room, despite being one of the youngest players there.
Some may make a case that Stepan deserves to be higher on that list, but although he's had a great year, there are several rookies that are excelling at a quicker rate, believe it or not.
Take, for example, Logan Couture of the San Jose Sharks. Not only has this kid lit it up with the Sharks, but does it get any better than this:
And then you have Skinnermania down in North Carolina, where 18-year-old Jeff Skinner has taken the league by surprise.
So while Stepan may not be the best rookie this season, he has sure been an impressive one, and absolutely deserves to be in the Calder race.
21 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Yup, he has had a great first 1/2 season.
Will be interesting how he performs going forward as he has really never played this many games before. And it’s not like he has only been playing 10 min a game. But so far he hasn’t shown any signs of wearing down which is quite amazing for his age and size.
by Blueshirt in Paris on Feb 3, 2011 6:54 AM EST reply actions
I think Cally is the next captain with Staal and Dubi getting the A’s. Then again depending on when various players leave the team he could get the C. I just don’t see that happening for another 3-4 years.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Feb 3, 2011 9:50 AM EST up reply actions
Depends I guess
Stepan has supposedly shown leadership beyond his years in the locker room. But Callahan, Staal and Dubinsky are viable options as well.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
"Tortorelli sounds like a kind of pasta… an unforgiving, stubborn, chewy, flavorless pasta that demands ‘jam’ from other pastas." - Dig Deep
by Joe Fortunato on Feb 3, 2011 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
I just based it on the idea that Callahan and Staal already wear the A’s, with Callahan getting it before Staal. So assuming Callahan is brought back (not that there’s much of chance he isn’t) he’s probably first in line to inherit the C. Dubi I figured would have seniority over Stepan but then again if the coaches or other players feel that Stepan is the better leader he might get one of the letters instead.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Feb 3, 2011 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
As a whole he has had a good rookie year, but anythging short of spectacular? Let’s not forget the 10 to 15 games where his play dropped off considera!ly early in the season after his opening night hat. I think other rooks in the league have been more consistent and thus ranked higher.
I am not saying he hasn’t been a pleasant surprise, but I have seen more impressive debuts. The future does look bright though.
by GAThingy on Feb 3, 2011 7:17 AM EST via mobile reply actions
But doesn't that make him even more impressive?
take those 10 games away and he has 30 points in 43 games.
Plus, it proves that he can handle adversity and keep trucking onwards.
Sure, Skinner has been more consistent (on a higher scoring team). But he’s also been playing with consistent line mates. Also, Skinner has 18 goals this year to Stepan’s 14. That’s not bad considering that Stepan wasn’t known for his goal scoring in the NCAA.
Not jumping on you GA, I just think his been spectacular.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
"Tortorelli sounds like a kind of pasta… an unforgiving, stubborn, chewy, flavorless pasta that demands ‘jam’ from other pastas." - Dig Deep
by Joe Fortunato on Feb 3, 2011 9:28 AM EST up reply actions
Haven;t people gotten on gabby because he has been inconsistant?
Hank himself said consistancy is what separates the elite teams from the rest.
Don’t get me wrong, VERY happy with Stepans performance to date, but if he showed up a little in that span of games he was absent, maybe they win a few more games. The team was tredding .500 at the time
It was the knock on Dubi last year as well.
Lets just hope he doesn’t pull a del zotto next year and regress.
After seeing what Skinner has done lately I really wish we were in position to draft him last season. Who knows if he’d be here this season but he would be a great talent to have.
And I must say Im surprised I didnt see a top story or fan post of DiPietro gettin knocked the fuck out and curling up or our own Hank hangin w/ Bieber last night at MSG haha.
GO PACK GO
Henrik Lundqvist has Bieber Fever
There is a top story on the DP fight. lol
Blueshirt Banter - Where Rangers' Fans Matter
Tracking the Rangers - Numbers don't lie. They just don't agree with you.
Twitter: RangerSmurf
by George E. Ays on Feb 3, 2011 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
stepan seems to be be getting better
I know college players normally disappeared this far into the season but Stephan is looking more noticeable. I think if you gauge a rookies progress throughout a season stepan might be at the top of the list. He seems to have gotten faster I remember in the early games I thought he was very slow now I see him keeping up with the pace very well. His physical play is way up he is definitely fighting along the boards harder and throwing more meaningful hits then at the start. His puck possession and confidence have gone way up as well. I think he was one of the most noticeable forwards late on Tuesday. He was carrying the puck in often and shots were getting through atleast making the penguins fight for the puck in their zone. He will be a very reliable and respectable player for us in the future. He performs well under pressure and has shown that he can delivery in a clutch situation. Mix that with his leadership that has been previous mentioned and we have a very solid number 1 center hopefully
by Pballer505 on Feb 3, 2011 10:33 AM EST via mobile reply actions
And don’t forget the most important thing..his hot mom and sister lol
by Mr. Avery to you on Feb 3, 2011 10:41 AM EST via mobile reply actions
That alone wins him the Calder lol
Rangers FTW!
by BleedsRangerBlue on Feb 3, 2011 1:10 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I wouldn’t put Stepan before Couture or Skinner, but when comparing it is notable that Skinner plays on the Canes top line, and Couture had like 40 games of NHL experience last year. I am definitely impressed with Stepan and if he continues to improve in the last 30 games, he could be right there in the conversation.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Blueshirt Banter
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
Rangers Schedule
Next 5 Games
@
New Jersey
|
Fri 05/25 | 8:00 PM EDT |
|
New Jersey
|
Sun 05/27 | TBA |
Last 5 Games
|
New Jersey
|
Wed 05/23 | L 3 - 5 |
|
@
New Jersey
|
Mon 05/21 | L 1 - 4 |
|
@
New Jersey
|
Sat 05/19 | W 3 - 0 |
|
New Jersey
|
Wed 05/16 | L 2 - 3 |
|
New Jersey
|
Mon 05/14 | W 3 - 0 |
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- NHL Playoff Beard Watch: Blood, Sweat and Beards of unsung unshaven heroes
- Devils guarantee they’ll downplay 1994 conference finals for Game 6 vs. Rangers
- Dodger Stadium Winter Classic; 10 worst NHL fans; ‘While The Men Watch’ debate (Puck Headlines)
- Lightning GM Yzerman suggests he won’t be trading for Luongo, strengthens position for Luongo trade
- Marek Vs. Wyshynski Radio: Ron Hextall, Luke Richardson and Rangers/Devils
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Despite loss, Phoenix Coyotes build solid foundation in the desert with run to West finals
- Worth every penny: LA Kings D Drew Doughty comes through with stellar playoff performances
- Coyotes finish off best season ever
- Doughty enjoying breakthrough playoff for LA Kings
- Maple Leafs sign defensive prospect Petter Granberg to entry level deal
