A new Vegas Golden Knight has been added to the All-Star Game roster, as the NHL announced on Monday afternoon that Chandler Stephenson will be headed to the event as a replacement for injured Seattle Kraken forward Matty Beniers.
This decision is much deserved for Stephenson, who has been one of the Golden Knights most consistent players this season, similar to last. He has recorded 44 points this season, which leads his entire team. There is a serious argument to be made that his productivity and durability are the biggest reasons his team sits second in the Pacific Division.
Heading with Stephenson to the All-Star Game, which is set to take place this weekend in Sunrise, Florida, is goaltender Logan Thompson, who was the Golden Knights lone selection weeks ago. Though his play has tailed off as of late, he is still thriving in his rookie season with a 2.69 goals against average along with a .913 save percentage and a 19-13-3 record. Both he and Stephenson will suit up alongside players such as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on what is a stacked Team Pacific roster.
While it is great to see Stephenson get the call, you have to feel for Beniers, who was injured in a game last Wednesday against the Vancouver Canucks. The 20-year-old is the leading frontrunner for the Calder Trophy, as he has recorded an impressive 17 goals and 36 points in 47 games this season. While it is disappointing to see, however, there should be plenty more All-Star Game appearances in his future.
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