When Chandler Stephenson was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights from Washington back in December of last year, it hardly hit the radar for most sports outlets. Stephenson, 25, hardly made much of a mark with the Capitals, having his best season in 2016-17 when he put up six goals and 18 points. Sometimes all that's needed for a player to start hitting their potential is a change of scenery.
Stephenson had played 24 games with Washington this season before the trade. He had registered three goals and four points. Since being traded to Vegas, he has scored eight goals and 17 points in 28 games. He's hit a career high in goals and points and is an excellent plus-18 since coming to the Golden Knights.
The Knights lost 6-5 in a shootout to Carolina Saturday night, but again Stephenson, who was drafted in the third round in 2012, managed to get on the scoresheet with a shorthanded goal just over two minutes into the third. Centering a line with Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone certainly helps, but Stephenson is proving he belongs in the role he's been given and has been running with it ever since.
Even playing in the AHL, Stephenson has never put up numbers like he's currently putting up with the Golden Knights and is showing any player can thrive in the right atmosphere. Should he continue his current pace, chances are he'll be worth much more than the fifth round draft given up to acquire him.
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