Is Chandler Stephenson a Fantasy Liability?

Sunshine to Rain: Stephenson Swaps Vegas for Seattle

Chandler Stephenson has been a scoring machine since joining the Golden Knights in 2019. He sits second in points (237), even-strength points (176), and points per game (0.72) among Knights players during that time. Now, he heads north to the Seattle Kraken, leaving behind superstar linemates for a team that's never had a 70-point scorer. This move raises questions about Stephenson's fantasy value.

Lesser Linemates, Lower Production?

Stephenson thrived playing alongside Jack Eichel and Mark Stone in Vegas. The Kraken's projected top-six lacks a similar high-end scoring threat. While Stephenson is likely to see top-six minutes and power play time, his current linemates - Jared McCann (30 goals would be a great season) - don't boast the same offensive firepower as his former Knights teammates.

Shooting Shy: A Red Flag

Stephenson doesn't shoot much, ranking last among players with at least 150 points in the last few seasons. He relies heavily on his elite playmaking (best secondary assist rate in the league) and the scoring prowess of his linemates. Seattle's historically low shooting percentage (excluding a one-year anomaly) further reduces Stephenson's fantasy upside.

Focus on Development, Not Numbers?

The Kraken might prioritize developing young talents like Matty Beniers and Shane Wright, potentially shifting Stephenson's role from scorer to facilitator. While this benefits the team long-term, it hurts his fantasy value.

The Verdict: A Fantasy Fade?

Stephenson's fantasy outlook is cloudy. Lower quality linemates, a team focused on developing young players, and a coaching change all suggest a decline in his offensive production. Initial projections have him at 15 goals and 43 points, significantly lower than his Vegas numbers. Consider Stephenson a risky pick for your fantasy team.