Looks like the Badgers don't have to worry about losing Derek Stepan but you might not be able to keep Ryan McDonagh next year.
There was speculation following the tournament that Team USA captain and Rangers' draft pick Derek Stepan would bolt Wisconsin to play junior hockey, but Slap Shots was told on Friday by a well-placed source that the center will complete his sophomore year with the Badgers.
The Blueshirts, we're told, believe Stepan needs another year of development either at school or in junior hockey before he's ready to turn pro, but are keenly interested in getting Wisconsin defenseman Ryan McDonagh -- acquired from Montreal in the Scott Gomez deal -- into the organization following the completion of this, his junior season.
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There is not a single Badger fan who thinks McDonagh is coming back next season; most were VERY surprised he returned this season.
ReplyDeleteWould LOVE to see Stepan back next season, give him the Hobey!
I was surprised that McDonagh came back as well. I don't think many of the kids that played in the WJC for the USA are quite ready for th next step.
ReplyDeleteStepan did establish himself as a good player during the WJC, I thought he was pretty good last year as well. I wonder how the Gophers ever let Stepan out of Minnesota?