Its great that Stephenson is doing well in Vegas. I initially thought he had a ton of potential, but then he just never seemed to get his offensive game going. He eventually struck me as the kind that needed a hardass coach to get him motivated every game until he figured it out. Never happened here.
Stephenson wasn't given much of an opportunity here to succeed offensively. He was pretty much used as a defensive specialist. He also never had any regular linemates. He was getting bumped up and down the lineup and playing all 3 forward positions. Usually on the wing.
Watching him play with the Caps I noticed that he was always the forward that stayed back and covered for the pinching defenceman. Hard to generate offensive opportunities in that situation.
In Vegas he is playing his natural center position and is getting time with better linemates. He is getting the opportunity to contribute in the offensive zone and still playing very well defensively.
He did show potential under Trotz but once Reirden took over it was downhill. It seemed like he didn't know how to use him. He is a better 2 way forward than the majority of our forwards.
There are plenty of other guys I would have traded before Stephenson. I guess it worked out ok for him. He got a cup with us and now he is getting a chance to contribute more for his new team.
In recent years it is not uncommon for a player to leave the Caps and contribute more for his new team.
