from Dan Martin of the New York Post,

One of the few question marks surrounding the Rangers before training camp opens is the status of restricted free-agent Derek Stepan.

Assistant general manager Jeff Gorton said he expects a deal to get done with the 23-year-old, but added the Rangers aren’t willing to break the bank to do it — especially with the salary cap being reduced this season.

“I think there’s always a way to make a deal,” Gorton said Thursday.

At a Yankee Stadium press conference for January’s NHL Stadium Series involving the Rangers, Islanders and Devils, Gorton said coming to an agreement with Stepan is “definitely difficult for us.”

continued