What’s the fascination with Stephenson. Hes interesting as a center, but can we acknowledge he’s also coming off a poor year?

1. 200ft game
2. Dominate puck possession with Marchand/Coyle
3. Reasonably priced
4. WON A STANLEY CUP

Sounds more like an argument for JM since he was more responsible for the Stanley Cup

I like Marchessault too, but Stephenson can play center. I see him as a cheaper, shorter term Lindholm who probably has the same impact on the scoreboard. With how thin the center market is this year, I like him on a 3 or 4 year deal.

Hes 33...

I’ve never viewed Stephenson as a 200 foot player. Before last year, his defensive reputation was closer to Bertuzzi than a 200 foot player and he’s kind of returned to it this year. I believe that’s one of the primary reasons they acquired Hertl. He’s not playing within the system like I saw last year. Could be that he’s tuning out Cassidy now or he’s just going for his, but his play is one of the big reasons for the regression and I don’t see him resigning in Vegas. It could be one year, but I see the 200 foot game as the anomaly.

I’d rather keep Zacha at center and go for a forward than spend those type of dollars on Stephenson. I’d rather sign JDB vs him.

It’s an opinion and I could be wrong, but I’d rather take the chance that Lindholm will perform between Pasta and Zacha. I believe Sweeney is in the same camp, but we will see on July 1st. Things can change. I could see Zacha and JDB creating a case to keep the band together