Derek Stepan receives another chance on top line

The New York Rangers may look like a team with limited offensive capabilities but their superstar winger Marian Gaborik, when healthy, can score with the best of them.  His ability to play at such a high level makes most players around him better, which made playmakers like Vaclav Prospal and Erik Christensen look like first liners last year.

This offseason, the team decided to acquire another skilled winger in Alex Frolov to help offset the pressure and generally help out their star, raising the big question of who would actually center them.  Well, the team has options, led by WJHC and University of Wisconsin standout Derek Stepan.  Just a few days ago, Stepan played between Frolov and Gaborik and put up an assist on the powerplay (see below).

Tonight, Stepan will receive another chance to center the two talented Europeans.  If he continues playing his style the kid could make the team as one of their top two centers. Head coach John Tortorella already stated both Erik Christensen and Artem Anisimov have made the roster, but with Chris Drury out with a broken hand their best center prospect could make the team before playing a single AHL game.