The Coachella Valley Firebirds have locked in Mitchell Stephens for the next two seasons, ensuring the 29‑year‑old forward remains a cornerstone of the franchise through the 2027‑28 campaign.
Stephens Brings a Wealth of Experience
Stephens arrives with a résumé that blends NHL grit and championship pedigree. After 123 games spread across the Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens and Seattle Kraken, he was a key contributor on the Lightning’s 2020 Stanley Cup‑winning squad. His 344 AHL appearances have yielded 193 points, underscoring a consistency that the Firebirds hope will translate into deeper playoff runs.
New Faces Join the Roster
Alongside Stephens, the club signed forwards Lleyton Roed and J.R. Avon to one‑year, two‑way contracts that also tether them to the Seattle Kraken organization. Roed, 23, posted 38 points in 65 games during the 2025‑26 season, while Avon, 22, broke out with a career‑high 24 points in his inaugural year with the Firebirds.
A Coaching Change on the Horizon
Assistant coach Stu Bickel, a fixture since the team’s inaugural 2022‑23 season, will leave the Firebirds to take the helm of the Iowa Wild, the AHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild. Bickel’s departure marks the end of a tenure that helped shape the club’s early identity and developmental pathways.
Looking Ahead
With Stephens, Roed and Avon now under contract, the Firebirds are positioning themselves to build on recent momentum. The moves signal a blend of veteran savvy and youthful energy as the organization eyes a competitive push in the upcoming AHL season.