Confirmed Signing with Link: [SEA] F Chandler Stephenson signs with the Kraken (7 years, $6.25M AAV)

HanSolo

DJ Crazy Times
Apr 7, 2008
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Stephenson's agent did a good job. The AAV is not that bad with a rising cap. Stepho is a great utility player that can center the third, second, and first line (in a pinch) and play on the wings while contributing great forechecking and overall defense. But seven years for a 30 year old is wild. When he begins to physically decline, the Kraken will be paying 6 mil for a solid third liner.
 

Big Daddy Cane

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Feb 8, 2010
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The 2nd biggest financial commitment by total contract value that Ron Francis has overseen across two organizations. Montour is the biggest.

For future expansion teams, Seattle is the far more likely outcome than Vegas in acquiring talent in the early years.
 
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sandwichbird2023

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Aug 4, 2004
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While it is obviously an overpay, I do see some logic behind this deal for Seattle. They now have a center that can shelter Bernier/Wright from the tougher matchups and also take a little pressure off them to produce offensively. The center market is shallow this year so they had to up the term and AAV.

I think its an ok deal if it allows their 2 prized young centers to develop to their full potential.
 

S E P H

Cloud IX
Mar 5, 2010
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The term is bad, but I am a big fan of Stephenson so getting a 6.25 AAV isn't bad by any means. I suggest people are way too negative about this deal.
 
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HoseEmDown

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Mar 25, 2012
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I don't think this deal is really that bad. Sure it's probably a year too long maybe 2 but Seattle has a huge need for centers. Berniers is the only top 6 C they have and he took a step back last year, Gourde is a 3C who they probably keep around for less after next season and Wright is a mystery still. So they really don't have anyone to push Stephenson down the lineup yet or even in the system. So he should be a top 6C for them for 4 or 5 years of this deal then drop to 3C and by then the cap would be up to where his caphit isn't outrageous for that spot. Seattle could also retain 50% and move him out like Hayes has been or even buy him out the last year or 2 with no a huge penalty. So fot the first 5 years this should be a good deal.
 

bleedgreen

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Dec 8, 2003
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Trotz interview in the Athletic says that Stevenson was his top focus at center, also was considering Lindholm but that this guy was the primary focus. Stamkos shook loose and it worked out. Presumably similar numbers if he had gone to Nashville.
 

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