Unnamed sources are confirming that rookie forward Derek Stepan has signed with the New York Rangers, but defenseman
Ryan McDonagh remains unknown as he is still wavering between leaving
Wisconsin or signing with the Rangers.
McDonagh is expected to eventually
decide to turn pro where he could contend for a roster spot with the
Rangers.
It is also expected that Stepan, who is not considered close to "NHL ready," will be welcomed by Calgary of the WHL, even if it
is for just one season.
Stepan, a 2nd round pick of the Rangers in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, had two stand-out seasons with Wisconsin of the WCHA. His major success came at the international stage as he was Captain of Team USA in the 2010 IIHF Under-20 World Championships, where he finished the tournament as the leading scorer and helped USA to their second ever gold medal.
McDonagh, who was acquired as part of the Scott Gomez trade to Montreal, has completed three seasons at the University of Wisconsin in the WCHA and has seen his play grow each season.