Rangers agree to terms with Derek Stepan on reported 6-year, $39M deal
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The New York Rangers have agreed to terms on a multi-year contract with forward Derek Stepan, avoiding arbitration.
The deal is reportedly valued at $6.5 million annually over six years for a total of $39 million, reports The New York Post's Larry Brooks.
TVA's Renaud Lavoie has a breakdown of the contract financials.
Stepan indicates there is a no-trade early in contract, then a no-movement through six years.
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossRecord) July 27, 2015
"Both sides were pretty close to begin with. I think both sides are very happy and very comfortable with the deal," said Stepan. "There's nothing but exciting things to come for us moving forward ... it's a special feeling to be a part of it."
Stepan, 25, scored 16 goals and added 39 assists last season, becoming the first Rangers center to record 50 or more points in three consecutive 82-game seasons since Wayne Gretzky.
He was also an integral part of the Rangers playoff run to the Eastern Conference final, earning 12 points in 19 postseason contests.
"We have an exiting group of guys and a group of guys ready to take the next step," Stepan said. "I can't be more excited to be a part of a team that I absolutely love."
The forward, a restricted free agent, was scheduled for an arbitration hearing Monday.
Stepan was reportedly seeking $7.25 million per season, while the Rangers were offering $5.2 million.
He earned $3.85 million last season with a cap hit of $3.075 million.