It looks like Rangers prospects Derek Stepan (C) and Ryan McDonagh (D) will return to the Wisconsin Badgers for next season. Stepan, 20, is not a surprise to be returning to Wisconsin, as he would have been too young to play in the AHL next year (the minimum age to play in the AHL is 21). McDonagh, on the other hand, is 21 years old and would have been eligible to play in the AHL. The defenseman will serve as the sole captain of the Badgers team, with Stepan serving as an assistant captain.

It is good to see that both Stepan and McDonagh will be playing in leadership roles next season. Both are two of the higher rated prospects in the system, and having them grow in leadership roles together can only be a good thing. There is no need to rush these guys. It would have been nice to see McDonagh play in Hartford though. Both of these guys should be ready to move to the professional ranks at the end of next season.

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