Washington Capitals: Five Prospects Who Could Make Impact Next Season

Washington Capitals Prospects Who Could Make An Impact: Chandler Stephenson

Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Chandler Stephenson is a forward who has gone under the radar with the Hershey Bears for a variety of reasons. He looked good in preseason games with the Washington Capitals, but he has struggled with injuries in 2014-2015. When he’s been healthy, at times he has been a victim of the numbers game. During the regular season, he played in just 54 games, though he has been active in each of the four playoff games.

In the regular season, Stephenson struggled as far as points. He had just 14 points (seven goals, seven assists). However, there are two reasons why I think Stephenson has a decent shot at making the opening night roster of the Washington Capitals.

More from Capitals News

• Breaking down the Rookie Camp roster
• Hear what Magic Johnson said about Alex Ovechkin
• Capitals announce Rookie Camp schedule
• Breaking down the 2023-24 Capitals national TV schedule
• Capitals Alumni Weekend is coming back

1. He’s a good penalty killer. He’s been a steady member of the Bears penalty kill, which was the best in the American Hockey League. His speed and defensive responsibility makes him a very good penalty killer. The Washington Capitals will be losing arguably their best penalty killer in Beagle. Latta saw minimal time on the penalty kill this season for the Washington Capitals, so Stephenson could justify his spot in the everyday lineup if he proves that he can be an effective penalty killer.
2. He’s a Barry Trotz type player. Stephenson could be a two-way forward, something that Barry Trotz has shown that he loves. Stephenson’s offense has yet to show up outside of juniors, but he is just a year removed from scoring 89 points in 69 games for the Regina Pats. Stephenson said last summer that he was focusing on improving his defense. I think if he focuses on improving his offense as well, he could easily earn himself a spot in the everyday lineup next season for the Washington Capitals.

I like that Stephenson never seemed out of place when he played during the preseason despite only being 20 years old. He’s a year older and a year wiser now. He’s definitely someone that Washington Capitals fans should keep an eye on.

Next: A much improved blue liner