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New York Rangers Weekly Wrap-up: Etem, Stepan, Stoll, Klein

By Patrick Comia

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Good Monday, 13 July 2015.

Here’s what’s been on our minds last week:

Emerson Etem- Tony

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Newly acquired forward Emerson Etem Has some big shoes to fill; as, he was brought into to replace Carl Hagelin last month. The speedy left winger, who was brought up through the Rangers system, was easily a fan favorite.

Now, Etem has been tasked with living up to what Haglein meant to the team and the city. In order to help with the transition, our newest writer, Tony, offered some advice in the form of a letter:

– Emerson Etem’s Survival Guide

Derek Stepan- Jessica, Anthony

May 26, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) skates in game six of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the New York Rangers at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

A hot topic since the end of the season has been the contract situation of RFA center Derek Stepan. With the recent contract to Ryan O’Reilly, which sees him being paid $7.5 million per year (thanks, Buffalo Sabres), another divided subject among Rangers fans has been created.

Anthony believes Stepan is worthy of a lucrative contract based on his previous performance for the team. Jessica provides an opinion as to why fans should not compare Stepan’s situation to O’Reilly’s when waiting on contract negotiations.

– Derek Stepan Must be Paid
– Can’t Compare Derek Stepan to O’Reilly

Jarret Stoll- Tony

If things don’t work out with Derek Stepan receiving a worthy contract, an option that might be signing Jarret Stoll. The former Los Angeles Kings was left unsigned and looking for a job.

The two-time Stanley Cup Champion could make for a substitution down the middle and may come at a bargain price. Tony makes a case for the Rangers to consider.

– The Case for Jarret Stoll

Kevin Klein- Pat

Dec 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Kevin Klein (8) reacts after scoring the game winning goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the overtime period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Among all this Rangers offseason discussions is the possible trade of Kevin Klein. It’s not been confirmed by the team, but there is speculation among the fan community. It seems he would be the next one to be moved, if the team needed more cap space.

But, why move a player that is not a cap hazard and has been reliable since he came over in the Michael Del Zotto trade a couple of seasons ago?

– Entertaining Thoughts Of Trading Kevin Klein?

New York Rangers- Tony

May 26, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Rangers players celebrate a victory in game six of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Which brings up to the present situation: what do the Rangers do? It seems like this might be one of the years that defines what direction the team will be heading. So many decisions on players, it could drive a person mad thinking about them all day long.

In his first article with the Blue Line Station, Tony offers his two cents about the state of the team and offers his opinions on what the Rangers need to establish.

– Stuck at the Crossroads

And that’s what has been at BLS. Keep checking back for more articles, as well as our daily links for information around the world of hockey. It may be the offseason, but that doesn’t stop us.

Catch you all later.

Next: Derek Stepan Must be Paid

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