Speculation: Stepan will make U.S. roster

I was telling this to travelling pals Pat Leonard and Andrew Gross at the practice rink on Monday, but I believe Derek Stepan will be on the 25-man U.S. olympic roster for Sochi announced tomorrow...

Despite the contract dispute that kept him out of camp and a slow start (like almost all the Rangers, 2-6 remember?), Stepan, who had 44 points in 48 games last year,  is an experienced center, can play wing, has National team experience and has done quite well in his 3 1/2 seasons in the NHL.  His playmaking skills (17 assists in 40 games) should be a benefit on the larger surface.

I believe the team will carries five centers, so Stepan, who has known he is on the bubble, should be included the mix of Kesler, Pavelski, Backes and Paul Stastny.  Chicago's Brandon Saad has better numbers this year, but it's not all about the last few months.  And I'm not sure Brandon Dubinsky has enough support among the hierarchy.

When the Rangers were in Nashville on Nov. 23rd, Team USA GM David Poile said the brass "would like to see" the 23-year-old Minnesota native on the team, and has been 3-6-9 in 18 games since. Hardly spectacular, but, he's a valuable spare on the American roster. Again, I doubt that Poile & Co. will go with Russia with only four centers. On the other hand, a hockey exec I am not, so...