2023 All-Star Center Signs with the Kraken
After a fourth consecutive season of breakthrough play with the Las Vegas Golden Knights in 2023–24, Chandler Stephenson, the 2023 All-Star center, has demonstrated that he is now among the league's emerging centers. In 75 games with the Knights last season, Stephenson recorded 16 goals, 35 assists, 51 points, and four power-play goals. However, Stephenson's performance did not translate to the Knights' first-round playoff series against the Dallas Stars, as he was held in check throughout the course of the seven-game series, recording zero goals, one assist, and one point. For the first time in his career, Stephenson was expected to be a top target for teams trying to improve the depth and output of their center. Now, the Seattle Kraken has signed Stephenson to a seven-year deal for $43.75 million.
Stephenson, 30, began playing hockey as an amateur in 2010–14 with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League. Stephenson played 230 games in four seasons with the WHL, scoring 73 games, 122 assists, and 195 points. In April 2014, Stephenson signed a three-year, entry-level deal with the Washington Capitals after finishing his fourth season with the Pats with 30 goals. Playing with the Capitals' AHL club, the Hershey Bears, Stephenson struggled to earn NHL playing time during his first two seasons with the team. Stephenson completed the 2017–18 season with 67 games played, including his first NHL goal against the Vancouver Canucks.
In December 2019, Stephenson, who had only contributed four points during the first 24 games of the 2019–20 season, would be moved to the Vegas Golden Knights following five seasons with the Capitals. Stephenson would have rapid success in his first full season with Vegas, finishing with 10 or more goals for the first time in his career. Stephenson was an essential component of the Knights' 2022–2023 Stanley Cup winning squad, with 10 goals, 10 assists, 20 points, and one power-play goal in 22 postseason games. Stephenson has established himself as a dependable two-way center who can contribute at both ends of the rink over the course of his career. Going into the upcoming season, his defensive awareness, quickness, and ability to help on the penalty kill will make him an invaluable member of the Kraken.
