Reports: Derek Stepan to sign w/ NY Rangers

I was all excited this morning looking at line combinations for next season, but it appears there will be one less Badger forward returning next season. It is being reporting (though nothing is official yet) that the NY Rangers will sign Derek Stepan. This would be a HUGE blow to the team.

Once he signs we'll bring you the links and information.

Three questions I have:

1) How long will it be before Ryan McDonagh signs?
2) Who is possibly going to replace D-Step? None of the 2011 recruits are really ready (IMHO) to be more than filler at the bottom of the line chart at this point. Feels like Joe Pavelski type situation, just not as late in the summer.
3) Had this happened 2 weeks ago, would Ryan Walters being coming to UW instead of UNO?

Assuming all these reports are true, best of luck of Derek in the future. It was a great 2 seasons in the Cardinal and White that I won't soon forget.