Golden Knights adjust at center without Chandler Stephenson

There has been very little information regarding the absence of Golden Knights center Chandler Stephenson who has missed the last two games with an undisclosed injury. SinBin.Vegas reports (Twitter link) that Stephenson is dealing with concussion-like symptoms from a hit from Ben Chiarot in the first game of the series and that he is not with the team in Montreal. The 27-year-old had a career year this season with 35 points in 51 games (plus six assists in 14 playoff contests) and while the Golden Knights did get Tomas Nosek back on Friday, Stephenson’s absence will be a tough one to fill. As is the case with any type of concussion symptoms, it appears as if there’s no timetable for his return.

Elsewhere in the West:

• While Coyotes winger Michael Bunting will have an opportunity to test the open market as a Group Six unrestricted free agent, he told Jose M. Romero of the Arizona Republic that his preference is to remain with Arizona. The 25-year-old cleared waivers in January and was in the minors until late March. But after being recalled, he potted an impressive 10 goals in 21 games down the stretch, earning a spot on Canada’s entry at the World Championships in the process. That should give him a decent market if he gets to free agency. But while he’s unsure if talks with the Coyotes have started yet, he’s hoping he won’t have to shop around his services.
• While the Sharks gave Jonathan Dahlen a one-way contract to bring him back, San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng feels that the deal doesn’t pencil him into a lineup spot in San Jose next season. The 23-year-old dominated in Sweden’s second-tier Allsvenskan the last two years, but that’s at a level that’s well below the NHL. Peng cites concerns from several scouts about Dahlen’s ability to adapt to the NHL game. Nevertheless, they’ll get a much better look at him with the one-way deal than watching him from afar in Sweden.