Firebirds Re-Sign Veteran Forward Mitchell Stephens Through 2028

The Coachella Valley Firebirds have made a significant move by re-signing veteran forward Mitchell Stephens to a two-year contract, ensuring his presence with the team through the 2027-28 season. The announcement came on Wednesday, marking a key decision for the Seattle Kraken’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate as they prepare for the upcoming season.

At 29 years old, Stephens brings a wealth of experience to the Firebirds. Drafted 33rd overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2015 NHL Draft, he has played 123 games in the NHL across four teams over five seasons. His debut came on December 9, 2019, with Tampa Bay, where he managed to record seven points in 45 games over two seasons.

Stephens’ journey continued when he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings on July 30, 2021, for a sixth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. In Detroit, he added six points in 27 games before signing with the Montreal Canadiens as a free agent on July 13, 2022. With Montreal, he recorded three points in 23 games during the 2023-24 season.

His tenure with the Kraken began on July 1, 2024, where he appeared in 28 games and tallied three points in the 2024-25 season. Simultaneously, he showcased his skills with the Coachella Firebirds, playing 35 games and contributing 13 points. Last season, Stephens had a notable performance, participating in 69 games with the Firebirds, where he netted 12 goals and provided 15 assists.

The new contract solidifies Stephens’ role with the Firebirds, and General Manager Troy Bodie expressed his enthusiasm about retaining the forward. “We’re thrilled to have Mitchell back with the Firebirds. He brings invaluable NHL and championship experience, but just as importantly, he’s a leader our players look up to,” Bodie stated. “His professionalism, character, and commitment to winning help set the standard for our group every day.”

With the season set to commence on October 2, the Firebirds are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting year ahead.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.