Chandler Stephenson News

The RFA got a $2.0M raise after posting a career-high 22 points (8G / 14A) while appearing in just 41 games. The 26-year-old forward was a Swiss Army Knife for the Golden Knights in 2020, playing up and down the lineup, on the wing or at centre, depending on what Vegas needed. Stephenson is best suited in a bottom-6 role and if he's their fourth line centre, they're in great shape.

Stephenson was scratched Monday in Edmonton and was re-evaluated upon their return to Vegas and will be a game-time decision Thursday in Minnesota.

It sounded as if the Capitals were set to waive Stephenson to clear a roster spot for Carl Hagelin to return to the lineup, but the Golden Knights stepped up. Cody Eakin is out week-to-week with an upper-body injury, so Stephenson is expected to replace him in the Vegas bottom-6. The 25-year-old hasn't done much offensively this season, posting three goals and one assist in 24 games with Washington.

Stephenson had five goals and six assists (11 points) in 64 games with the Capitals a season ago. The 25-year-old has settled into a bottom-6 role with Washington, but will have to battle with offseason additions Garnet Hathaway and Brendan Leipsic for playing time to start the 2020 campaign.

Stephenson will miss Wednesday’s game against the Rangers and will be replaced by Alex Chiasson. Stephenson is day-to-day but could be back in the lineup when the Capitals return home for Wednesday’s game vs. the Bruins.

Stephenson was not on the ice for the Capitals morning skate and is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. With Stephenson out, Travis Boyd has been recalled and will make his NHL debut vs. the Sharks.

Stephenson appeared in three of the last four games and failed to record a point while averaging 8:45 TOI/GM. The Capitals are off until Saturday, so expect them to recall Stephenson or another forward prior to then.

Stephenson has been a healthy scratch in three of the last four games and has been reassigned after failing to record a point in nine games with the Capitals this season.

Stephenson, 21, was the Capitals third round pick (77th overall) in 2012. He had 14 points (7G / 7A) in 54 games with Hershey last season and one assist in one game this season. He will make his NHL debut on Thursday.