The Vegas Golden Knights As… Christmas Icons

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 12: Chandler Stephenson #20, William Karlsson #71, Jonathan Marchessault #81 and Zach Whitecloud #2 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrate after Stephenson and Marchessault assisted Karlsson on a third-period goal against Dustin Wolf #32 of the Calgary Flames during their game at T-Mobile Arena on December 12, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Flames 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 12: Chandler Stephenson #20, William Karlsson #71, Jonathan Marchessault #81 and Zach Whitecloud #2 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrate after Stephenson and Marchessault assisted Karlsson on a third-period goal against Dustin Wolf #32 of the Calgary Flames during their game at T-Mobile Arena on December 12, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Flames 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
6 of 8

But who gets the prestigious role of Heat Miser? Who’s the Golden Knight that’s caught fire in the past two seasons, producing 40+ assists in those seasons? Why, it’s none other than Chandler Stephenson.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 19: Chandler Stephenson #20 of the Vegas Golden Knights skates with the puck in the second period during the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on November 19, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 19: Chandler Stephenson #20 of the Vegas Golden Knights skates with the puck in the second period during the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on November 19, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Before 2021-2022, the former Washington Capital never had a season of more than 22 assists. In the last two seasons, he’s put up a stat line of more than 40 assists. He’s become a key component in the Vegas offense, turning up the heat when needed.

Granted, he’s cooled off to start the season with only 12 assists. However, a hot streak can make him extremely helpful on the second line and beyond. That can help Vegas repeat as Stanley Cup champions and establish themselves as a true NHL power.