Confirmed with Link: Wings acquire C Mitchell Stephens from TB
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Should compete with Pearson to be our 4C to start the season. I think Stephens has the advantage.
A pick under Yzerman...RH shot, quality size. Probably a guy brought in to replace Glendening as a bottom 6 center but with perhaps a bit more offensive upside
Did you have super high hopes for that 6th round pick to tear up the ECHL in 6 years or something?
The worst case scenario with this move is that Stephens ends up as our 1C in GR. He’s been a .5 PPG in the AHL, so putting him down there to center Raymond or Berggren isn’t a bad consolation.
Low risk move, the last one of these we tried from Tampa didn't end up going too badly. 4C is well and truly open and this is good competition.
Oh God no. I watched every Lightning game last season and wasn't impressed with Stephens (only 7 games I know). he's supposed to be an offensive specialist, but I didn't see any of that. It's just a meh move for me. I'd love to be wrong about Stephens because we need more offensive help, but I have not been impressed by him, that's all. If he's slotted to be our AHL juggernaut, then I am more ok with this move.
better Red than Dead
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OgeeOgelthorpe
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Either he makes it on our 4th line or he ends up in Grand Rapids.
I'd personally like to see Veleno and Pearson in the lineup more this year. But I get the feeling that Veleno starts in GR no matter how well he did in his 5 game call up or how he plays at camp. Same with Pearson.
Mitchell Stephens at eliteprospects.com
I'd personally like to see Veleno and Pearson in the lineup more this year. But I get the feeling that Veleno starts in GR no matter how well he did in his 5 game call up or how he plays at camp. Same with Pearson.
Mitchell Stephens at eliteprospects.com
r0bert8841
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Was getting my hopes up for the next Draper kid.
It works in our favor that these guys all come around that are insignificant or easy to move on from. Gagner, Namestnikov, Stephens... none of them really pose really substantial barriers to the young guys *if* they are ready
Pavels Dog
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Ghost of Ethan Hunt
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It's only a 6th, but did we really need to spend any draft capital on a potential 4th liner? Yzerman knows best, I guess.
C, RHS, 190lbs/5'11", 24yo ok.
Chase Pearson - bigger, taller (+ possible reach), 6mos. younger, had a solid yr. in GR. Thought he deserved a 5 game+ look.
Lightning acquire 2022 sixth round draft pick from Detroit
C, RHS, 190lbs/5'11", 24yo ok.
Chase Pearson - bigger, taller (+ possible reach), 6mos. younger, had a solid yr. in GR. Thought he deserved a 5 game+ look.
Lightning acquire 2022 sixth round draft pick from Detroit
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Kingpin794
Smart A** In A Jersey
He's never been an offensive specialist. even in junior. He can be a good 4th C for us that can be cover PK duty.
Frk It
Mo Seider Less Problems
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OgeeOgelthorpe
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I don't remember ever seeing Stephens on the ice with Tampa last season, but from what I saw of Pearson in Grand Rapids at the end of the 19-20 season and what few games I saw of GR in 21 he most definitely has the makings of a decent 4th liner.
Big, good skater, tenacious on the forecheck, hits, blocks shots, and can get the puck up ice well before going to the bench. Pretty much what you expect from a 4th liner.
Specialist? No. Offensively capable? Certainly more so than a Chase Pearson.
Tampa's team is built on 4 lines that can put the puck in the net. I don't know that their competitive window really ever had a guy whose calling card was "that forward plays good defense and doesn't provide much else." The team isn't really going to have a hard time finding people to PK, but it's probably the right time to stop equipping the team with players who profile as ONLY defensive specialist forwards.
Frk It
Mo Seider Less Problems
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Cheap/solid depth move. Possible Glendening replacement.
RH center that can actually win faceoffs and plays with some grit.
RH center that can actually win faceoffs and plays with some grit.
Ghost of Ethan Hunt
The Official Ghost of Space Ghosts Monkey
Yeah, I took notice of him in the Rookie camp 2yrs ago, hadn't really seen him since, but he looked decent then vs. other rooks.
"A strong offensive player who has the perfect amount of resiliency, character, and attitude to play in key roles and not back down. Nimble skater with a threatening top speed. Physically willing to pursue the puck in the hard areas of the ice. Smart and crafty defensively. Very good hands and puck skills. Quick, accurate release on his shot that can fool a lot of goalies. All-in-all, an offensive, upwardly mobile presence that the opposition can't let out of their sight."
In juniors, all the scouting reports remarked on his offense and skating, then came the two-way play. Seems with injuries he's found his niche as a defensive guy, good at faceoffs. If he's slotted to be in the AHL top line, I'm good with that.
golffuul
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Totally a Glenny replacement. Can probably move between 3rd/4th line as needed with some strong play. Or at the very least will be a solid depth forward. Yzerman is creating an environment where ice-time is earned and effort level rewarded. Solid move.
Run the Jewels
Make Detroit Great Again
He's listed as a meat and potatoes guy who has grit but gets in trouble when he tries to get too fancy. He'll be fine as a bottom 6 center. I doubt we are so deep at center that he ends up in Grand Rapids but that would be great if that was the case. I think he's a perfect guy to step in and fill Glendening's spot.
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