The Carolina Hurricanes have agreed to terms with Derek Stepan on a one-year contract that carries an AAV of $1.35 million. The 31-year-old centre is coming off a six-year $39 million contract he signed with the New York Rangers in 2015.
Stepan played out an injury-ridden 2020-21 season with the Ottawa Senators, after being acquired by them in the 2020 offseason. He scored a lone goal and six total points in 20 games played.
The Hastings, Minnesota native is known for his leadership qualities and playmaking skills. Stepan led Team USA to victory at the 2010 U-20 World Juniors and finished first place with 14 points. He was a member of the New York Rangers team that made it to the Stanley Cup Final in 2013-14, ultimately losing to the Los Angeles Kings in a hard-fought series.
Stepan will likely have a fourth-line role on the Hurricanes. The veteran centre has 168 goals, 317 assists, and 485 points in 759 games. This will be the fourth team he has played for in his NHL career.
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