Why Derek Stepan Should Make the New York Rangers Roster Out of Training Camp

The Rangers improved at nearly every position this summer. They beefed up on the wings in both physicality and talent with the signings of Alex Frolov, Mats Zuccarello-Aasen, and Derek Boogaard, along with the emergence of Evgeny Grachev, who should have a legitimate chance at finally breaking through to the big club. Their defense is set for not only this season, but for years to come with Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, and Michael Del Zotto, and soon to be Ryan McDonagh, Michael Sauer and Dylan McIlrath.

The one position that is lacking: center.Who can fill that void: Derek Stepan.

Although the Rangers do have a potential first-liner center in Artem Anisimov, along with second-tier candidate Erik Christensen, no one has the star quality that Stepan has shown early in his career.

Stepan is a proven winner, something no one else on the team—aside from Henrik Lundqvist—can say. He's won at every level he's competed at, from his time at the University of Wisconsin, to leading Team USA to a Gold Medal at the 2009 Under-20 World Juniors championship, where he was captain.

The coaching staff seems to have the same trust and confidence in Stepan as well. During scrimmages in training camp, the ex-Badger was the first-line pivot between Marian Gaborik and Frolov. He even tallied an assist on Gaborik's 1st period goal against the Devils Thursday night in the Rangers' pre-season opener.

At just 20 years old, Stepan's future in the organization seems very bright, possibly not seen since the late 1980s when Brian Leetch broke through. You get the sense that the organization is looking to him to be the next Leetch, and be the home-grown leader the organization has lacked since Brian's departure in 2004.

Stepan could get the spot by default. It is clear that coach John Tortorella has little interest in using Brandon Dubinsky, Vinny Prospal or Chris Drury at center, opting them to the wing positions.

Stepan's competition for the top line should come down to how Erik Christensen performs during preseason. He was anemic in the opening game against the Devils, and if that continues, his spot is definitely up for grabs. Anisimov will probably land the second-line role, with Brian Boyle and Tim Kennedy fighting for the fourth-line position. Todd White is a long shot to make the team due to his nagging shoulder injury and salary.

If Stepan can play at a level like he did on Thursday night for the rest of the pre-season, look for him to take the opening face-off in Buffalo on Oct. 9, and for years to come.