NY Rangers, Derek Stepan Agree To 6-Year, $39M Extension

The New York Rangers and Derek Stepan have agreed to a six-year contract extension worth about $39 million or $6.5 million annually, according to various reports. The team announced the signing on their official website Monday, and ESPN.com reported the figures.

"We're really happy to get Derek locked up for the next six years," Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton said in a statement posted on the team website. "It's a really good thing for the Rangers and for Ranger fans. This is a 25-year-old player, who has played well for us already, and who now will play his prime years for us moving forward."

Gorton described Stepan as a player who can play in “big moments” while Stepan said that he was “grateful” for the longterm deal with the Rangers.

"I came into the league and was given an opportunity to be part of an Original Six team, an organization that has treated me extremely well, and now I get to go into my next six years with them," Stepan said. "It's a great feeling. ... This is where I want to be."

Stepan, who was the Rangers’ second round pick in the 2008 draft or the 52nd overall selection, has been with the team the last five seasons, accumulating 252 points (89 goals and 163 assists) in 362 games in the regular season.

Stepan, who is from Hastings, Minnesota, and the Rangers have made the postseason the last five years, during which he totaled 41 points (15 goals and 26 assists) in 80 playoff games. Stepan also represented the United States ice hockey national team in the 2011 world championships and the 2014 Olympics. In eight games in his international career, he has 8 points (2 goals and 6 assists)