Jan 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken center Mitchell Stephens (67) plays the puck during the third period against the San Jose Sharks at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

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Seattle Kraken Send Mitchell Stephens Back to AHL

Kraken reassign forward Mitchell Stephens to AHL affiliate Coachella Valley Firebirds after recent NHL stint.

With a few days off before their next game, the Seattle Kraken have made a roster move to manage their salary cap. The team announced that forward Mitchell Stephens had been reassigned to their AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

This isn’t just a paper transaction, as it would only be considered temporary if the Kraken expected Yanni Gourde to return soon—which isn’t the case. Even though Coachella Valley has two games before Seattle’s next matchup, there’s no indication that Stephens will play in them.

Seattle Kraken Reassign Mitchell Stephens https://t.co/osPtIDDv0L
— Pro Hockey Rumors (@prohockeyrumors) February 26, 2025

Since he cleared waivers earlier this month, the Kraken could send him down without any complications while gaining some cap relief. The move was made during the 4 Nations Face-Off break, giving Seattle a seven-game window before they’d have to put him through waivers again for another reassignment.

Stephens has been a serviceable but unspectacular bottom-six center for the Kraken this season. He’s played 28 games, recording one goal and two assists while averaging just over nine minutes of ice time per game. His 53.6% faceoff win rate is solid, but his -8 rating highlights some defensive struggles. He’s now 10 games away from surpassing his career-high of 38 games played, which he set with the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2019-20 season.

While his numbers don’t necessarily stand out, the Kraken, who are dealing with salary cap constraints, may lean on players like Stephens as affordable depth options. Depending on how the trade deadline plays out, he could end up finishing the season in Seattle if the team decides to move some of its forward assets.

Image Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!