New York Rangers Weekly Wrap Up: Stepan, Hayes, and Nash

Here’s what we were stirring up last week on the site:

We could probably dedicate this week’s edition to our resident writer, Jay. He was on top of the breaking news with a certain free agent signing and offered his take on some key players heading into next year.

May 6, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) skates with the puck as Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92) chases in the first period in game four of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 2-1, and lead the series 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

New York Rangers /

New York Rangers

– Derek Stepan gets Multi-year contract

A key figure heading into this offseason was Derek Stepan. He’s been a homegrown player and has known nothing else outside of the Rangers organization. Mixed reviews have been voiced by the fans, especially with his proposed salary request (over $7.0 million versus the Rangers $5.0 + million). Perhaps, we all took a scare after Ryan O’Reilly landed his big payday with the Buffalo Sabres. However, all was calm after Stepan’s signing for $6.5 million over the next six years.

– Kevin Hayes Was a Big Surprise

A positive factor for the Rangers last season was the emergence of Kevin Hayes. Originally the property of the Chicago Blackhawks (first round pick in 2010), he signed with the Rangers before the start of the season. After a slow start to his season, Hayes emerged as a favorite for Rangers fans. His playmaking ability, size, and timely scoring, made him a hit on Broadway.

– Can Rick Nash Have a Big Year?

Again, the center of Rangers news and opinion has been the name Rick Nash. Whether you love him or hate him, Nash gives fans something to talk about. Jay asks the question: will he have another year like he did last season? Of course, we all know his deficiencies in the postseason, when it matters the most. However, Nash is too good to be kept quiet in the playoffs, as he has in the past. If last season was an indication of him waking up come playoff time, then we could see the team become a more dominant team and perhaps realize the dream of hoisting the Stanley Cup at Madison Square Garden.

– Which New York Rangers Defenseman is Better: Staal Vs. Girardi
Have you ever thought to yourself who the better man is: Dan Girardi or Marc Staal? Well, Jay asked the question and provided his reasons for his decision. He leaned towards the workman-like play of Girardi, but made an argument for Staal. Either way, the Rangers are lucky to have two players of their caliber on the same team. They are still keys to the Rangers success and will be counted on to step their games up, if they are to reach the ultimate goal at the end of next season and beyond. So, who would you choose between the two?

May 13, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing Rick Nash (61) reacts after Kevin Hayes (13) (not pictured) scored a goal on Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) during the second period in game seven of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

To help everyone get through the dog days of summer and hold you over till October, our Flashback Friday series continues with Rick Nash. Jessica gave us his top five goals that may make you light up with delight and get you pumped for the season to come. Relive the skills and excitement of Nash’s goals. Caution, it may make you jump out of your chair and scream, so make sure to warn your house or anyone within screaming distance.

– Rick Nash’s Top Five Goals of 2014-15

And that’s the week that was at the Blue Line Station. Keep tuning daily for our news from around the Rangers and NHL worlds.

See you all next week.

Next: Weekly Wrap Up: How Next Season Stacks Up

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