Derek Stepan

Derek Stepan, born on June 18, 1990, is a distinguished American former professional ice hockey center who made a significant impact in the National Hockey League (NHL) over a remarkable thirteen-season career. He showcased his talents with several teams, including the New York Rangers, Arizona Coyotes, Ottawa Senators, and Carolina Hurricanes.

Stepan's journey in professional hockey began when he was drafted by the Rangers in the second round, being the fifty-first overall pick in the 2008 NHL entry draft. Following his selection, he honed his skills at the University of Wisconsin, where he played for the Badgers hockey team in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).

On July 1, 2010, Stepan took a pivotal step in his career by signing his first professional contract with the Rangers, opting to forgo his junior and senior years at Wisconsin. His debut in the NHL was nothing short of historic; on October 9, 2010, he became the first player in Rangers history and the fourth in NHL history to score a hat trick in his debut game, marking the beginning of an impressive professional journey.