June 10, 2010
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Stepan the Next to Depart Wisconsin
CHN Staff Report
Wisconsin forward Derek Stepan is foregoing his final two years of college eligibility to sign with the NHL's New York Rangers.
Stepan, who turns 20 next week, helped lead the Badgers to the NCAA Championship game last season as a sophomore, leading the team in scoring with 54 points in 41 games (12-42—54). He also captained Team USA to a gold medal in the World Junior Championships in January, where he had four goals and 14 points in seven games.
Stepan was taken in the second round (51st overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He signed a typical three-year entry-level deal, close to the $875,000 annual cap, according to the New York Post.
The Hastings, Minn., native also had 9-24—33 as a freshman for the Badgers. He joins defensemen Cody Goloubef and Brendan Smith as early departures from the team.
