After being acquired by the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, Derek Stepan will reportedly be delaying his arrival in Ottawa. Him and his wife, Stephanie, are expecting their third child in early January. It is expected after his child is born that he will make his way to Ottawa.
Derek Stepan said his wife is expecting the couple's third child in early-January. He said will come to Ottawa after that. #Sens— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) December 28, 2020
Stepan spent the last 3 seasons with the Arizona Coyotes, where he tallied 119 points (39 goals, 80 assists) in 224 games. Prior to his time in Arizona, he played with the New York Rangers for seven seasons. During his 10-year NHL career, the veteran forward has 479 points (167 goals, 312 assists) in 739 games.
The 30-year-old center will bring a veteran presence to a very young Senators team that could surprise many people this season.
«Derek's acquisition provides us with important stability at center heading into the season,» said Senators general manager Pierre Dorion. «He plays a 200-foot game and has proven to be a reliable special teams' player throughout his career. His addition to our lineup will also represent a valuable leadership presence within our group.»
The Minnesota native will likely slide into the Senators' middle-six when he arrives, but he is doing the right thing in choosing his family over his job.
