Coming in just prior to their scheduled arbitration date, the New York Rangers and forward Derek Stepan have come to terms on a multi-year contract.
The team did not initially disclose term or any details at all. But, as happens every time a team doesn’t disclose details, it took a full eight minutes for all the details to surface. ESPN’s Katie Strang reports that the contract carries a $6.5 million AAV over six years. Stepan was reported to be entering arbitration seeking a $7.25 million deal, with the Rangers coming in at $5.2 million.
Stepan, the team’s 25-year-old alternate captain, was a restricted free agent who posted 16 goals and 39 assists through 68 games last season. He also posted five goals and seven assists through 19 playoff games this season. In addition, he played a significant role in the team’s Stanley Cup Finals run the season before, posting five goals and 10 assists through 24 contests.
He’s been with the team for five seasons, posting 89 goals and 163 assists through 362 games.
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