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Stepan on contract negotiations: ‘These things take time’

Washington Capitals v New York Rangers - Game Four

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 08: Derek Stepan #21 of the New York Rangers skates against the Washington Capitals in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 8, 2013 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Capitals 4-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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We’re just a few weeks away from the start of training camp and Rangers restricted free agent center Derek Stepan is still unsigned.

Stepan tells Tom Gulitti of Ranger Rants he’s not focused on negotiations and leaving that to his agent and the team.

“But these things take time,” he said. “These things are something that both sides have to agree on. You’ve seen it and I’ve seen it. That’s just how it goes. It’s part of the business and it’s part of the job and it’s part of being a professional hockey player.”

For the Rangers, they probably wouldn’t mind it too much if Stepan wanted to be frugal. According to CapGeek.com, the Rangers have just over $2 million in cap space this season. Stepan is the last RFA they have to sign and he’s arguably their most important.

With Brad Richards’ future in New York in doubt, Stepan is their top center at the moment. Getting him locked in is key for the Rangers’ future.

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