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Stepan, Rangers Barely Avoid Arbitration & Agree To Multi-Year Deal

StepanCommon ground seemed pretty simple to get a long-term deal done. Based on O’Reilly’s extension ($7.5m per), Stepan’s reported asking price (7-years at $7.25-$7.5m per) & the Rangers counter (6 years at $6.5-$6.75m per) both sides weren’t all that far apart. Neither side wanted it to get to today’s 9am arbitration hearing, especially considering Stepan had already held out a couple years ago & caved to a bridge deal. There’s already a bitter taste in his mouth when it comes to money. Step is a key cog in the Blueshirts quest to sip from the greatest trophy in sports within their “win now” window that’s tied to Lundqvist’s prime. I’m sure their alternate captain didn’t want to leave the only organization he’s ever known either.
9am came & went, but the two sides delayed the start of their hearing until finally coming to terms on a multi-year deal. No real surprise they took it to the brink, but it’s the best outcome for both to skip the trashing that arbitration brings. Step gets paid, there’s no ill will & the young Rangers core stays intact looking to improve upon their recent “almosts”. 6 years, $6.5m per is about as good a deal as the Blueshirts could’ve asked for while Step gets another shot at another big payday with some good hockey years left. New GM Jeff Gorton – job well done.