Chandler Stephenson returns to Las Vegas as Golden Knights host Kraken – Las Vegas Sun News

Chandler Stephenson, a member of the Golden Knights’ championship team two years ago, will return to T-Mobile Arena tonight with the Seattle Kraken. A video tribute – a tradition for former players on their first return to Las Vegas – will certainly be part of the celebration.

Puck drops at 7 p.m

Stephenson was one of several Knights who left the team via free agency in July, signing a seven-year, $43.75 million contract with the Kraken. The new contract, which pays $6.25 million annually, is a $3.5 million increase over his previous contract with Vegas.

He played five seasons with the Golden Knights after being traded from the Washington Capitals midway through the 2019-20 season.

Stephenson played 327 games in Vegas, scoring 75 goals, 162 assists and 237 points. He took part in the 2023 NHL All-Star Game and won the Stanley Cup that same year.

While Seattle has struggled to start the season in sixth place in the Pacific Division, Stephenson has emerged as one of the Kraken’s best players with 21 points in 33 games.

On the other hand, the Golden Knights continue to make room at the top of the Pacific Division and push for first place in the league, just two points behind Winnipeg. Thursday’s 3-1 win over Vancouver was Vegas’ sixth win in its last seven games.

The Golden Knights are expected to be shorthanded without Ivan Barbashev, Nicolas Roy and Ben Hutton. Hutton, who has been out since mid-November, could soon return to the lineup as the defender returned to full team training this week.

Players to watch

Golden Knights: Jack Eichel (center) 32 games played, 9 goals, 33 assists, 42 points; Shea Theodore (defense) 31 games played, 4 goals, 23 assists, 27 points; William Karlsson (center) 23 games played, 6 goals, 8 assists, 14 points.

Seattle: Jared McCann (forward) 34 games played, 11 goals, 15 assists, 26 points; Oliver Björkstrand (forward) 33 games played, 11 goals, 12 assists, 23 points; Chandler Stephenson (center) 33 games played, 3 goals, 18 assists, 21 points.

Inactive players

Golden Knights: Ivan Barbashev (upper body), Nicolas Roy (upper body), Ben Hutton (upper body)

Seattle: Jordan Eberle (cymbals)

Here’s how to watch

TV: Scripps Sports (Cox Communications, channel 38), KnightTime+ (streaming)

Betting line

Golden Knights -192 Seattle +160. Over/Under: 6 (-110/-110)

Who is the target?

Golden Knights: Ilya Samsonov – 11 games played, 7-3-1 record, 3.36 goals against average, .897 save percentage.

Seattle: Philipp Grubauer – 12 games played, 3-9-0 record, 3.50 goals against average, .879 save percentage.

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