Look, I know the Winnipeg Jets tried to get a center in free agency, and they really wanted him. But there’s a very similar player out there, and maybe he’s available too.
The Winnipeg Jets traded for Paul Stastny and then lost him in free agency. It happens. But, what if I told you there’s another Paul Stastny out there, and he’s under contract for three more seasons?
There kinda is. It’s Derek Stepan, as you’re well aware. It’s in the title. I’m not fooling anyone. Look, I don’t know if Arizona would even move him. They did just give up their #7 overall pick for him, and then some (they also acquired starting goalie Antti Raanta, who was great).
But a team with Max Domi, a 19 year old who just put up 65 points in Clayton Keller, and a new starting goalie who just put up a .930 save percentage in 46 starts should be on the upswing.
Instead, they finished with 70 points, good for last place in the West. They haven’t made the playoffs since the Jets inaugural season in Winnipeg. It’s a sad state of affairs for a likable team with a likable coach in Rick Tocchet.
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So, would they part with their 28 year old #1 center? I mean, it’s a really young team. Only two regular forwards on the Coyotes were older than Stepan, and one is only three days older in Zac Rinaldo. The other was Brad Richardson.
But they paid a premium, and even selling him and claiming they made off with a good netminder isn’t easy when a top ten pick was included. Stepan, however, is a perfect comparison to Stastny.
Is he as good and is he available?
He’s younger, sure, and balder. But he is incredibly consistent. Stepan scored 45 points in his rookie season, and then hasn’t scored fewer than 50 since (save for the lockout season, but 44 points in 48 games is good enough for me).
Oh, and he’s never reached 60 points. Last season was his only one with a negative plus/minus, and….well, Coyotes. Stepan’s Corsi% is adequate, and his defense is very good. His only real knock is his supbar faceoff numbers. Whatever. He’s a solid #2 center.
Stepan is under contract for the next three seasons with a $6.5MM cap hit, which is substantial. He carries a no trade clause for this year, and it goes to a 15 team list the next two.
The NTC is an obstacle, but would you rather be competing for a Stanley Cup or trying out turquoise hockey equipment? I don’t know that they would trade him, but his contract is the same as Stastny’s. Was that too rich for Cheveldayoff and friends?
Next: Max Pacioretty Could Be Moving
Who knows, but he’s a great alternative and worth a phone call. Ask about everyone. Derek Stepan offers everything that Stastny can, minus faceoffs. He’s even got a little Playoff Pedigree™.