New York Rangers: Can Derek Stepan Avoid a Sophomore Slump?

Derek Stepan entered the NHL as a rookie on October 9, 2010. His biggest aspiration and goal had already been accomplished even before he took his first shift.

Stepan's dream was to suit up for an NHL game. This debut was like no other as Stepan netted a hat trick in his first career game. He became only the fourth player ever to accomplish this feat.

“You dream of playing an NHL game, but you don’t dream about a game like this,” Stepan stated afterwards.

Stepan had a good rookie campaign for the New York Rangers. He scored 21 goals and assisted on 24 others for 45 points in the 2010-11 season. He showed great maturity, skill and determination in his first year as a Ranger. It was hard to believe that Stepan was only 20 years old and a rookie nonetheless.

This year the fans and New York Ranger management expect great things from Stepan.

With the addition of Brad Richards, many hope that Stepan can learn from the veteran center and in turn can become a better all-around hockey player.

The biggest question surrounding Stepan coming into the 2011-12 NHL season is this: Is it possible for Stepan to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump?

In the past players have entered their sophomore year with larger expectations than they can handle. They are coming off a hot shot season and just simply flounder in the newfound spotlight.

There are a few reasons why I feel Stepan can avoid the sophomore slump.

1) Stepan is entering this year as the third-line center

Last season, the Rangers relied heavily on their young core players. With the acquisition of Brad Richards, Stepan will take a reduced amount of ice time in comparison to last year. This ice time, however, will be typical for a third-line player with Stepan's experience.

Stepan will also not be pressured to carry the offense for the Rangers. Last year Stepan was one of the few 20-goal scorers for the Rangers. Often times, Rangers bench boss John Tortorella put Stepan out on the ice when he needed a goal. This was because Stepan had showed early success when he was put in similar situations.

Stepan if anything will benefit from the reduced pressure and stress and could easily put up 50-60 points this season.

2) Stepan could also potentially play with Richards and Gaborik

The other potential fit for Stepan could be on the top line as a left winger. Stepan and Brad Richards are both skilled passers. Both can also play left wing and center.

By pairing the two together, Stepan can learn from Richards to play both roles. Stepan's assist totals also could benefit as the by-product of being paired with two good goal scorers in Richards and Gaborik.

This would be very beneficial for Stepan in his development as a player.

3) Stepan has performed under pressure in the past

Derek Stepan was a big reason that the United States won gold at the 2010 World Junior Championships in Saskatchewan. He scored 14 points in seven games and was a top performer in the gold medal game in which the U.S. defeated Canada.

Stepan also scored eight points, two goals and six assists, at this year's world championships for Team USA. He joined the team after the Rangers were eliminated in the playoffs by the Washington Capitals.

Stepan realizes that he will be expected to perform this season and he is ready to hit the ground running when training camp opens in September. He made a splash at the Traverse City tournament last year and he is expected to do the same when the season starts in October.

Take this article with a grain of salt because anything can truly happen once the puck drops this October. Many have attempted to avoid the sophomore slump but it happens to the best of players.

If by some chance Stepan succumbs early on to the sophomore slump, I am confident that he has the skill set and hockey sense to correct his game in a timely fashion.

 

2011-12 Season Predictions

25 Goals

30 Assists

55 Points

Rangers fans, what do you expect from Derek Stepan for the upcoming season? Will he come down with a case of the sophomore slump?

Leave your comments in the section below to get the conversation going. If you liked what you read, feel free to give it some props, a like and a +1.

Tom Urtz is an NHL Featured Columnist.

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