New York Rangers News: Derek Stepan Files For Salary Arbitration
Derek Stepan has filed for salary arbitration as he looks to secure a new contract with the New York Rangers.
With the arbitration deadline passing today at 5:00 PM, the NHLPA announced that 23 players have filed for salary arbitration. Among the 23 players is Derek Stepan, who is expected to be in line for a hefty pay raise this summer, and hopefully, a long-term deal that keeps him in New York for years to come. Restricted free agents filing for arbitration hearings has become the norm, as it is within their rights to get the best possible deal that fits their production level.
The good news is that a majority of the players filing for arbitration, if not all of them, settle on a new deal prior to sitting down for their scheduled hearing.
Of 20 players who filed for salary arbitration in 2014, only one (Subban) reached a hearing and that was settled before arbitrator's ruling.
— Tom Gulitti (@TGfireandice) July 5, 2015 Not to mention, by filing, this prevents other teams from sending in an offer sheet on Stepan, and doesn't allow the team to trade him while his hearing is pending.
So in other words, all of this part of the process, and there's a pretty good chance that Stepan and the Rangers agree to something before his hearing. There is no date scheduled for Stepan's case, but as the NHLPA announced, hearings will be held from July 20 to August 4 in Toronto.
Thoughts?
