On Monday, Capitals senior writer Mike Vogel reported Chandler Stephenson was not on the ice for practice. With the Capitals due to take on the San Jose Sharks in the first game of their West Coast road trip on Tuesday, Vogel added that a roster move involving Stephenson will likely happen before then.
Chandler Stephenson will not be on the ice today. Nothing official at this time, but sounds like the #Caps will be making a roster move before tomorrow's game here in San Jose, and he is part of that transaction.
— Mike Vogel (@VogsCaps) December 2, 2019
Stephenson signed a one-year, $1.05 million contract over the summer, ahead of an August 1st arbitration hearing. With the Capitals tight against the salary cap, and forwards Carl Hagelin — who is eligible to return from long term injured reserve as of December 2nd — and Nicklas Backstrom both attending practice wearing regular jerseys, a move appears necessary to allow Backstrom and Hagelin to play on Tuesday. Even with Hagelin off LTIR, the Capitals would still have only 22 players towards the 23-man roster limit.
It is not yet clear whether the transaction would place any potential players on waivers with the purpose of loaning them to the Capitals’ AHL affiliate Hershey Bears, or involve a trade.
Backstrom and Hagelin both on the ice and no light blue non-contact sweaters in sight. Good chance the #Caps take the ice against the Sharks tomorrow with a fully intact lineup for first time this season.
— Mike Vogel (@VogsCaps) December 2, 2019
In 24 games with the Capitals thus far in the 2019-20 season, Stephenson has tallied three goals and one assist.
6:50 PM Update: It is being reported by multiple sources that the Capitals are trading Chandler Stephenson. The trade could happen as soon as tonight.
Hearing the Capitals have a trade in place involving F Chandler Stephenson. Possible Vegas may be involved.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) December 2, 2019
Hearing a trade could be coming tonight involving Chandler Stephenson https://t.co/HSxZuw0Of3
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) December 2, 2019
Headline photo: Elizabeth Kong
