The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded away one of their young depth players, sending Mitchell Stephens to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a 2022 sixth-round pick.
With the signing of Alex Barre-Boulet, the Lightning were inching closer to the 50-contract limit with a few more restricted free agents left to deal with. Given that Stephens wasn’t likely to get much playing time now that Barre-Boulet and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare are under contract, a trade to his old manager in Detroit makes sense. It was Yzerman controlling the Lightning when Stephens was selected 33rd overall in 2015.
Now 24, Stephens was a semi-regular presence in the Lightning lineup in 2019-20, playing 38 games during the regular season. He also suited up for seven postseason games, coming in and out of the lineup whenever necessary. He even played 24 minutes in the epic five-overtime game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, a career-high that will likely go unbroken for a while.
The benefit here for Stephens is obvious. He goes from an organization that is loaded with players like him, fighting for ice time, to one that needs all the NHL talent it can get. The young forward will have a chance to really establish himself in Detroit as they slowly rebuild through the draft. A player like Stephens is worth that sixth-round pick for Yzerman, even if all he gets is a couple of seasons while the rebuild continues. The Red Wings have plenty of picks to spare, and Stephens already has several years of minor league development invested in him.
Unfortunate for Stephens that he lost his 4th line job after his lengthy injury and recovery after only four games. Great opportunity to play on the up and coming Wings. Best of luck in developing your nhl skills
Not sure on this guy but if Yzerman likes him and picked him 33rd that is a good sign. Last guy very similar he brought over was Erne and even though it took a while he found his stride and is now a for sure valuable grinder. If this guy can take the LGD spot on the 4th line he will be worth it.
LGD is in Dallas now
Right, that is why they needed someone to take his spot. Not saying Stephens is going to do it but he is another player that could. So if he ends up the 4C replacement for LGD he will be worth a 6th round pick. Worth a shot.
Stephens has good upside he could surprise.
trust in the yzerplan.
Low cost move and has all the upside you would want. This guy was fighting to stay on TB who is loaded so he is clearly a decent player who will get a better chance and more ice time. The future is now what he makes it. Even if he’s just average, for a 6th round pick, no brainer.