Each year prospects seek to make the transition from other
levels of hockey to the National Hockey League.
This season Derek Stepan looked to make that transition straight from
the college ranks to the NHL and he did so better than anyone could have
expected. There were certainly ups and
downs during the course of the 82 game schedule, but to count the overall
results as anything less than a huge success would be a disservice not only the
year Stepan had, but what it showed for the future. Scoring 21 goals, and playing in all 82 games
is a tremendous foundational season the 20-year-old will look to build upon
next year.
The goal and point numbers give the Rangers hope for what
Stepan can become in the future, but beyond the stats, what was most impressive
about this rookie is that he never seemed overwhelmed by the moment and had a
penchant for rising to it. The number of
clutch goals and plays that he made as a rookie is something that no one could
have expected from him and it is based on how he thinks the game and puts
himself in the right position, but also that determination and competitive side
of him. Also in terms of not be
overwhelmed by a moment, Stepan responded to whatever role the Rangers asked
him to play and each time his play dipped there was no sulking from the young
player, rather a determination to get his game back to where he needs it to
be.
What you notice most about Stepan on the ice is how
technically sound he is in all facets of the game. He has the skill to be a great passer, the
finish to score goals, enough speed and shiftiness to succeed, but it is how he
thinks the game that has him in the right position so often on both ends of the
ice. To be 20-years-old and be that
responsible on both ends of the ice while having the offensive skills to be a force
in the future gives the Rangers fans something to be excited about.
If the Rangers can give Stepan quality players to play with
and leave a grouping together next season you will see more consistency in his individual
production. The utter lack of
consistency in the players he was playing with from game-to-game or even
shift-to-shift made the season Stepan was able to put as a rookie.
Another issue for the Rangers to work out with Stepan will
be how they use him on the power play.
Due to the lack of a competent power play quarterback this season,
Stepan was used on the point and that is not where he can be most
effective. As was seen during the
recently completed IIHF World Championships, while playing for Team USA, Stepan
can be very effective on the power play when he plays down low along the
left-wing wall. Playing in that spot
allows Stepan to meld his passing and scoring skills while seemingly
quarterbacking the power play from that spot.
Speaking of the World Championships, Stepan was arguably the
best forward for Team USA during the tournament. In the 7 games that Team USA played, Stepan
recorded seven points (two goals, five assists) and scored in every game except
the quarterfinal loss to the Czech Republic.
The experience playing in the tournament, and the success that he had
should only fuel Stepan towards a big second season
In addition you notice in Stepan leadership qualities that
tell you that he will likely wear a letter within the next few seasons for this
organization. Add to that the fact that
this is a genuinely good young man and the Rangers have yet another quality
player, person to build the core of their team around.
GRADE:
B+
