The waiting is over. Derek Stepan is finally back. It took a little longer than expected. Stepan has re-signed with the Rangers, agreeing to a bridge deal worth upwards of $3 million per season. Officially, CapGeek.com lists him at $3.075 million for 2013-14 and 2014-15.

After seeking a long-term contract, Stepan settled on a bridge deal which helped negotiations. He still wanted a reported $3.5 million which was too high for the Rangers. Following Glen Sather’s MSG interview in which he criticized the club’s number one center, the two sides finally negotiated a reasonable deal. For the moment, it puts the Rangers at $65.36 million. Slightly above the salary cap. They currently have 24 players listed. With the team assigning nine players to Hartford Wednesday, 31 players remain.

With Stepan finally back, he solidifies them at center. A top three of Stepan, Brad Richards and Derick Brassard makes the Rangers formidable. Having added Dominic Moore, they are much stronger down the middle. Top faceoff man Brian Boyle remains with the club. With rookie J.T. Miller pushing for a spot, Alain Vigneault has options. Also still being considered are Jesper Fast, Marek Hrivik and Oscar Lindberg.

Breaking down the forwards further, the locks are Brassard, Ryan Callahan, Carl Hagelin, Chris Kreider, Moore, Rick Nash, Benoit Pouliot, Stepan, Richards and Mats Zuccarello. The reason they’re carrying 19 is due to the uncertainty surrounding Callahan and Hagelin, who are getting closer. Both haven’t been cleared for contact. The Rangers open the season next Thursday, Oct. 3 at Phoenix. Let’s assume Boyle isn’t going anywhere. He’s still a valuable guy who takes key draws and kills penalties. Arron Asham, Taylor Pyatt and Darroll Powe are fighting for spots along with Derek Dorsett and Brandon Mashinter.

The blueline is more settled with incumbents Mike Del Zotto, Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh, John Moore, Marc Staal and Anton Stralman comprising a strong top six. Conor Allen, Stu Bickel, and Justin Falk remain battling for the seventh defenseman.

The goalies are again Henrik Lundqvist and Marty Biron. Cam Talbot had a strong camp but will start in Hartford.