The Coyotes traded former Rangers star Derek Stepan to the Senators for a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, the teams announced late Saturday night.
“On behalf of the entire Coyotes organization, I would like to thank Derek for everything he did for the Coyotes the past three seasons,” Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong said in a statement. “Derek is the consummate professional and a class act. We wish him and his family all the best in the future.”
The 30-year-old center spent the first seven seasons of his NHL career with the Rangers after being drafted in the second round in 2008. He was traded to Arizona in June 2017 along with Antti Raanta for Tony DeAngelo and the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, which the Rangers used to select Lias Andersson — who was traded to the Kings during the 2020 draft for the No. 60 pick, used to select Will Cuylle.
Over 739 career NHL games with the Coyotes and Rangers, Stepan has accumulated 167 goals and 312 assists and 186 penalty minutes. He also has 54 points (20 goals, 34 assists) over 106 playoff games. He made 97 playoff appearances for the Rangers as a key part of the teams that went to the conference finals in 2012 and 2015, and the Stanley Cup Final in 2014.
“Derek’s acquisition provides us with important stability at center heading into the season,” said Senators general manager Pierre Dorion. “He plays a 200-foot game and has proven to be a reliable special teams’ player throughout his career. His addition to our lineup will also represent a valuable leadership presence within our group.”
The pick the Senators gave up in the trade was previously acquired from the Blue Jackets.
NHL training camps for teams who didn’t make the playoffs are set to begin this week, with the rest of the league set to open camp next Sunday.
#Derek #Stepan #traded #Coyotes #Senators #draft #pick
Source
