Why would Rangers trade Stepan for a player that they can get in the summer? The most I would pay for him now is a 3rd rounder and maybe a 6th rounder. http://www.fanragsports.com/nhl/lets-make-deal-derek-stepan-kevin-shattenkirk/
If St. Louis wants to give up their number 1 pick along with Stepan, then maybe it's possible. Not that I have any doubt NY will sign Shattenkirk. However, a UFA for a guy locked up. Sorry, not going to be 1 for 1. Blues are dreaming if they think that is the case. I don't disagree that with Hayes, Miller and Kreider emerging, they don't want to deal with Stepan's contract when his NMC kicks in. Especially with Zibanejad a candidate to break out as well.
Stepan and Ziba both need to step it up if they are going to do anything in 2 months. Not enough offense from either.
I would say Vesey, Pirri and Fast need to get their offense going, Step's tied for 3rd on the team scoring.
As the team's 1st team center with 12 G 27 A for 39 Pts says a whole lot about this team's fire power. And still this team wins...........bottom line.
Maybe the players realize that they are better off in the 4th spot and winning now is not a priority. Team looks sluggish tonight.......being outplayed by Avalanche ( any body dispute this after 2 uninspiring periods? )
We know a dman upgrade is the highest priority but could we see them make a play for Doan or Iginla as well? Cap space for 2 new additions is probably asking alot but their leadership would be nice.
If the Ranger organization had an "adequate, ready" center to be on the parent team, make the damn trade. But, there is nothing in the Ranger pipeline to be on the Rangers now.
Burrows is someone I've heard mentioned and might not be a bad idea. I bet Shattenkirk remains in StL with them looking like they'll make the playoffs.
It seems like every year on this board since Stepan came up he's been the talk of trade speculation. He sucks on faceoffs but is a career .75 PPG who should be playing RW. Step's only 26 too, no way I'm making that deal. Nash on the other hand...
^^^^Agreed, he should be a rw forward. So, that begs the question, "Why does head coach play him at center?" Also, just so that we're airing it out here..............if I continue to hear those haunting words, "Oh, Nash just missed!" He is not an 'everyday' scorer.........and I'll leave it at that!
