4. Stephenson an inspired trade
Few ripples were made inside the hockey world when the Vegas Golden Knights sent a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft to the Washington Capitals for bottom six forward Chandler Stephenson on Dec. 3.
However, Vegas President of Hockey Operations George McPhee had the inside track after drafting Stephenson while he was GM of the Capitals, and it has proved to be an inspired trade.
Stephenson, with his hustle and raw speed, has slotted seamlessly into this lineup and he’s made a real impact with five goals and four assists for nine points through 16 games.
And, Stephenson has earned the trust of the coaching staff so much that he is now logging top six minutes between Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone on the second line.
Can’t catch Chandler 🔥 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MCHLjg5t7G
— 🏆 - Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) January 5, 2020
And the swiss army knife type player rewarded that faith against St. Louis.
It started in the third period when Stephenson blocked a pass before driving into the offensive zone and ensuring the puck got to Reilly Smith, who proceeded to slap it past Jake Allen to put Vegas ahead.
Then, with the game in overtime, Stephenson showed his hockey IQ by getting across to the boards and stripping the puck from Robert Thomas, before charging down the ice and putting the game-winner past Allen.
It was a big night from Stephenson who logged 19:13 minutes of ice time, and he could go down as one of the best low key trades of the season.