Vegas Golden Knights
Stephenson not thinking about contract status
Vegas Golden Knight forward trying to improve and build on All-Star season.
LAS VEGAS – Chandler Stephenson isn’t fretting about his upcoming contract situation. He’s simply focused on what he needs to do and knows the contract situation will handle itself.
“The biggest thing is just let it be,” Stephenson said. “Whatever happens, happens. I've tried to do everything I can to try and build a resume. One year is not going to take every everything away or change everything. You got to think of it as you got to build resume in your career and just trying to keep outdoing yourself.
The forward has one year left on his team-friendly deal and carries a cap hit of $2.75 million, which was signed in Oct. 2020. If past performances are any indictor, Stephenson could find himself in line for a steady increase.
Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon said he will handle expiring contracts when the time comes - meaning in the offseason. The NHL is expected to raise its salary cap next season closer to $90 million, which will help the Golden Knights with their upcoming free agents.
Stephenson was second on the team last season, finishing with 65 points with 16 goals. He was named an All-Star and was also vital in the Stanley Cup run, scoring 20 points with 10 goals.
He plays alongside Mark Stone, and the two have amazing chemistry. Stone’s presence could be credit as to why Stephenson was so effective early on and in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Stephenson did undergo a period where he struggled to get his offense going – mostly when Stone was out of the lineup. He regained footing late in the year and looks to build off of that Stanley Cup playoff performance and work his way into a larger contract.
“There's slumps last year where you're overthinking it, and there’s ebbs and flows to a season,” he said. “When things are not going your way, I think the biggest thing is just try to be positive.I know it's easier said than done, but during those slumps, you try not to grip your stick too tight, just play and just need the one bounce and hopefully it'll snowball from there.”
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