Press box buddies who understand advanced metrics better than I do cringe whenever Chandler Stephenson jumps on the ice for the Seattle Kraken.
One of their arguments is that the free agency contract he signed last summer, seven years, $43.75 million, was way too generous in both term and dollars.
For the record, Stephenson chipped in 13 goals and 38 assists. His 51 points were exceeded on the Kraken only by Jared McCann’s 61.
Stephenson made one other contribution not available on any scoresheet.
He provided lineup protection for young core centers Matty Beniers (22) and Shane Wright (21). I asked Chandler about accepting a mentor’s role for Beniers and Wright, and maybe next season for prospect Berkly Catton as well. It’s the topic of this Kraken Reaction.