Coach Alain Vigneault indicated Monday that Stepan (ribs) will miss four-to-six weeks, Steve Zipay of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

The news comes as a big blow, as the Rangers will be without a big piece for an extended period of time. The injury occurred on what many consider to be a late hit from Bruins winger Matt Beleskey, though there's no indication of whether a suspension will be coming for Beleskey. The timetable puts Stepan's return as early January at the soonest, but it's possible it will extend into mid-January depending on how the recovery goes. The Rangers indicated they do not plan to recall any players at this point, and will go with the forwards currently on the roster. Oscar Lindberg moved up to center the second line for the Rangers during practice Monday, and appears set to do so for at least the evening's game against the Hurricanes.

Stepan sustained broken ribs in Friday afternoon's 4-3 loss to the Bruins and is out indefinitely, per Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault.

EDGE Analysis

The injury stems from a late hit by winger Matt Beleskey that sent Stepan flying into the boards. Fans of the Blueshirts didn't have to wait long for the team's bench boss to declare that the top center will be out indefinitely, but that's hardly a consolation for the Rangers and fantasy owners alike. Stepan produced six goals and six assists with a plus-4 rating this season before going down Friday.

Stepan will not return for the third period of Friday's game against the Bruins after a late hit from Matt Beleskey.

EDGE Analysis

The hit was described as "totally avoidable" by Doug Williams of SportsNet New York, and we think that is an accurate account of the play based on how Beleskey appeared to lean into Stepan's left shoulder and level him against the boards. We won't speculate the severity of the apparent injury but it's safe to say the team will closely evaluate the prolific forward in the coming days.

Stepan collected his sixth assist Saturday, a 5-4 overtime win over the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

The Minnesota center also logged six shots on goal (second only to Rick Nash, 10) in the win. After enduring a four-game point drought in late October, Seemingly, Stepan owners now getting production they're more accustomed to, can now leave Stepan in their starting lineups without worrying about elongated droughts. Stepan has five goals and 11 points through 20 games.

Stepan sank a goal from center ice in Sunday's 4-3 win over the Maple Leafs.

EDGE Analysis

Stepan directed a wrister at Jonathan Bernier that lit the lamp from what Dan Rosen of NHL.com reports was 86 feet away. The hockey equivalent of a Hail Mary should never lead to a goal, but that's precisely what happened and it proved to be a key catalyst in helping the Rangers to their ninth straight victory. Stepan is on pace for a career-high 22 goals in 2015-16.

Stepan notched two assists in Thursday's 6-3 win over the Blues.

EDGE Analysis

Stepan has shown improvement since being placed on a line with J.T. Miller and Chris Kreider; the group combined for two goals and four assists Thursday. The young center also finished plus-2 in 18:55 of ice time. The Rangers have an even better matchup Saturday against the Sens.

Stepan notched an assist in Saturday's win over the Coyotes.

EDGE Analysis

Having logged just two points in his previous nine games, the Minnesota native has a goal and an assist in his last two tilts. While we should all temper our expectations, Stepan's small sample awakening might be due to his new linemates J.T. Miller and Chris Kreider. This looks line a line combination that could stay together and certainly could impact a standard fantasy league near you.

Stepan was a minus-3 in Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Capitals.

EDGE Analysis

With a minus-2 rating and just five points in 12 games, the team's first line center is truly feeling the brunt of his line's struggles. Currently enduring a four-game point-scoring drought, Stepan owners must remain patient as this pace should change sooner or later.

Stepan collected an assist in a 4-1 win over the Coyotes on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Standard operating procedure for the veteran who not only played through pain after oral surgery earlier this week, but continues to contribute regularly. The first line center now has three goals and five points through the team's first eight contests.

Stepan took line rushes during pregame warmups which indicates he will be in New York's lineup for Thursday's tilt against the Coyotes, Steve Zipay of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Despite undergoing several oral surgical procedures Wednesday, Stepan will take the ice for Thursday's matchup with Arizona. The outstanding 25-year-old will slot into his usual role centering Rick Nash and Mats Zuccarello on the Rangers' top line.