Rangers veteran may be the odd man out after early playoff exit.

The New York Rangers are one of the team's in a tough position concerning the upcoming expansion draft, and now Rangers insider Larry Brooks believes that one of the most recognizable names on that team may be the odd man out after what was a relatively early playoff exit when compared to the expectations from that organization.

From Larry Brooks:

Derek Stepan should not be turned into a scapegoat for the second-round defeat to Ottawa. Stepan is a perfectly acceptable top-six center for a contending team. His per-game production of 0.25 goals, 0.45 assists and 0.7 points is commensurate with his role. He is one of just 24 active centers to have played 500 or more games averaging at least 0.7 points per. And he does this while facing the opposition’s top offensive match essentially every time out.

With that being said why would the Rangers trade Stepan? Well according to Brooks the Rangers may believe that Oscar Lindberg is now ready to step into a bigger role up the middle of the Rangers line up, and trading a player like Stepan would allow them to protect Lindberg in the expansion draft. 

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As the Rangers currently stand Lindberg would be the man exposed in the expansion draft, and that leaves the Rangers a very short window to make a trade. Brooks cites Kevin Hayes as another possible option, but believes the Rangers would get a much better return on investment in a deal for Stepan.