Top centerman signs

Derek Stepan and the New York Rangers have reached an agreement. The contract details are as followed: $39M for 6 years with a cap hit of $6.5M per year.

Previously, the two sides were far apart, on one hand, the Rangers were offering an average salary of $5.2, on the other , Stepan's representatives were fixing their price at $7.25M per season.

The two sides agreed on the contract few hours before arbitration was scheduled on Monday morning.

Derek Stepan was New York's 2nd round draft pick at 2008 draft. Throughout his 362 NHL games, Stepan has collected 89 goals and 163 assists. He also represented the USA in the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championships and the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.

By comparing Stepan's contract to Ryan O'Reilly's, 7 years at $7.5M per campaign, who has less points in more game than the Rangers' center, we clearly see that the New York organization achieved a great coup. One could make the case that O'Reilly's potential is greater than Stepan's, but the overall game of the ladder is by far more polished and more consistent.

OFFICIAL: #NYR have agreed to terms with restricted free agent forward Derek Stepan on a multi-year contract. pic.twitter.com/ddIe0EbWT7
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 27, 2015