Golden Knights’ Stephenson named to NHL All-Star Game
Vegas Golden Knights forward Chandler Stephenson will replace injured Seattle Kraken forward Matty Beniers in the 2023 NHL All-Star Game in Florida this weekend.
Beniers was knocked out in a game against the Vancouver Canucks last week and a return date has yet to be determined.
Beniers has been the favorite to win the NHL’s Calder Trophy this season, scoring 17 goals and 36 points in 47 games with the Kraken this season.
Beniers was to be the only rookie skater to participate, with goaltenders Stuart Skinner and Logan Thompson sharing the net for the Pacific Division.
Stephenson will participate in the All-Star festivities for the first time in his career in Florida.
He’s on course for a career-high 71 points, a solid boost from his previous high of 64 when he broke with the Golden Knights last season.
The multi-faceted striker was important as Vegas struggled with injuries to key players up front, so the all-star selection is well deserved.
The 28-year-old forward had 198 points in 390 games with Washington and Vegas, with his first full NHL season coming in 2018-19 in a depth role.
Since joining Vegas in 2019-20, Stephenson has become an integral part of the team’s scoring core, finishing two points behind Jonathan Marchessault for team scoring leader last year.
Stephenson will join Vegas teammate Logan Thompson on the Pacific Division roster. With Beniers gone, the Kraken will no longer have player reps, meaning they will be the only team without a player.
Vegas’ Bruce Cassidy will serve as coach for the Pacific Division as the top team bench manager in the division when the coaches are announced Jan. 11.
The skills competition kicks off action Friday night at 7 p.m. ET, with the All-Star Tournament starting at 3 p.m. Saturday.
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