Vitals:
Position: Forward
Year in School: Freshman
Shoots Right
Height: 5-10
Weight: 165
Hometown: North Vancouver, BC
Major: undeclared
Previous Team: Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL) last season
NHL Considerations: He’s a talented player, he’ll need some time at UW to gain some strength, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him land a contract someday.
08/09 Stats: 58 games, 12-47-59, 34 PIM
07/08 Stats: 52 games, 21-56-77, 35 PIM
09/10 Role: 2nd or 3rd line, PP
08/09 Recap: Derek had another good season in the BCHL. His stats were down a little, but he was on a better team and was more consistent as the season went on. The Victoria Grizzles were the BCHL regular season champs.
Biggest Strength: Derek was a highly sought after recruit, and a very smart kid, who has excellent playmaking skills. He’s not going to notch a ton of goals, but teammates will because of him.
Biggest Weakness: He is a smaller forward and will need gain strength, adding muscle to his frame. He’ll get plenty of time in the weight room at UW.
09/10 Thoughts: Similar to Craig Smith, Derek is a talented freshman who could contribute right away to the Badger offense. I’ve learned to temper my expectations for freshman so when they play like Derek Stepan its icing on the cake, but when they are just ok transitioning to the WCHA, I won’t be disappointed either. W/ the depth at forward, anything the Badgers get from Derek will be a bonus, though if he plays well it could be another piece in a run at #7 in Detiolet.
Prediction: 24 games, 4-12-16*
*All predictions for regular season only
Photo from uwbadgers.com
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