Something bigger may be brewing for the Arizona Coyotes.
After pulling off a minor deal that saw Nick Cousins move from the Philadelphia Flyers to the desert, general manager John Chayka appears to have his eyes on New York Rangers center Derek Stepan, and he's reportedly not alone.
According to TSN's Bob McKenzie, the Coyotes are one of multiple teams with "serious interest" in Stepan.
Stepan has four years remaining on a contract that carries a salary cap hit of $6.5 million. That deal has a no-trade clause over the next two seasons, and a modified no-trade clause in the final two seasons. As McKenzie noted, that clause doesn't kick in until July 1, meaning the Rangers are free to trade him for the best possible return.
Following a postseason series loss to Ottawa, Stepan said he was ashamed of his play. He registered one goal and three assists in six games against the Senators.
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