Chandler Stephenson Bio
Chandler Stephenson is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a forward for the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played for the Washington Capitals, who had drafted him in 2012, and the Vegas Golden Knights. Born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Stephenson played with the Saskatoon Flyers and with the Saskatoon Contacts in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League before joining the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League. Following his rookie season with the Pats, Stephenson was selected by the Capitals in the third round (77th overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He returned to the Pats for two more seasons where he broke out offensively and recorded career-highs in goals, assists, and points. Upon concluding the 2013–14 season, Stephenson signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Capitals and was immediately assigned to American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hershey Bears, on an amateur try-out.
Early Life and Background
Chandler Stephenson was born on April 22, 1994, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, to parents Bev and Curt Stephenson. He was born into a hockey-playing family, with his uncle Bob and cousins Joe Kocur playing at the National Hockey League (NHL) level, while cousins Logan Stephenson and Shay Stephenson played for international hockey leagues in Europe and Asia. Growing up, Stephenson played ringette with the Saskatoon Cobras before he was old enough to play ice hockey. Although his brother Colton also played ice hockey, he retired at the age of 19 after suffering his fifth diagnosed concussion. Stephenson’s early exposure to the sport and his family’s background in hockey greatly influenced his career path.
Path to Hockey
As a youth, Chandler Stephenson played with the Saskatoon Flyers and in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League with the Saskatoon Contacts. At the age of 14, he was signed by his first hockey agent, a family friend named Brad Devine, who also aided his brother. From 2006 to 2009, Stephenson played bantam hockey with the Saskatoon Generals of the Greater Saskatoon Hockey League. His junior play led to him being drafted fifth overall by the Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) 2009 Bantam Draft. During the offseason, he and his brother worked with a personal trainer, a skills coach, and power-skating instructors to enhance their skills.
Chandler Stephenson Career
Early Career (2014–2018)
Upon concluding the 2013–14 season with the Regina Pats, Chandler Stephenson signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals on April 12, 2014. He was immediately assigned to the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hershey Bears, on an amateur try-out. Stephenson made his AHL debut on April 16, 2014, against the Norfolk Admirals and scored his first career AHL goal on his first shot in the first period. He spent two full seasons with the Bears before making his NHL debut on October 15, 2015. Despite limited appearances with the Capitals early in his career, he became a mainstay on the Bears lineup and was recalled to the Capitals full-time during the 2017–18 season. During this season, he won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Capitals, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Breakthrough (2019–2023)
In 2019, Chandler Stephenson was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights, where he experienced a breakout season, setting career-highs in goals and points. He became an integral part of the Golden Knights’ lineup and continued to excel, leading to a four-year, $11 million contract extension with the team on October 7, 2020. His performance helped the Golden Knights qualify for the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs. In 2023, he returned to the Stanley Cup Finals and won his second Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights. This achievement solidified his status as a key player in the NHL.
Notable Works and Milestones
Chandler Stephenson’s signature achievements include winning the Stanley Cup in 2018 and 2023. His career has been marked by significant milestones, including being named to his first NHL All-Star Game in 2023 as an injury replacement.
Chandler Stephenson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Chandler Stephenson has received recognition for his contributions to the sport, including his selection to the NHL All-Star Game.
Chandler Stephenson Awards Won
Chandler Stephenson has won the Stanley Cup twice, first with the Washington Capitals in 2018 and again with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023.
Chandler Stephenson Family
Chandler Stephenson was born to Bev and Curt Stephenson. He has a brother named Colton, who also played ice hockey but retired due to health issues.
Personal Life
Information regarding Chandler Stephenson’s personal life, including marital status and children, is not publicly available. However, his family background in hockey has played a significant role in shaping his career.
