​Firebirds fans can breathe easy knowing a familiar face will be back in the lineup this fall, as the Coachella Valley Firebirds have re-signed Mitchell Stephens to a two-year AHL contract that keeps him in the desert through the 2027-28 season. The 29-year-old forward appeared in 57 games for the Firebirds last season, notching nine goals and 11 assists. A seasoned pro from Ontario, Stephens has 123 career games in the NHL with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, and Seattle Kraken, and he was part of the Lightning’s 2020 Stanley Cup-winning team. In the AHL, he has played 344 games for the Syracuse Crunch, Laval Rocket, and Coachella Valley, compiling 85 goals and 108 assists for 193 points.
“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,” said Troy Bodie, the Firebirds’ General Manager. “His professionalism, character, and commitment to winning help set the standard for our group every day.”
A photo caption notes that Stephens, wearing number 67, reached to high-five forward Eduard Šalé after assisting on a goal during the second period of a game at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Stephens joined the Firebirds midway through the 2024-25 season, appearing in 35 regular-season games and recording six goals plus seven assists. He also spent 28 NHL games with Seattle that same season. This time of year marks the opening of free agency as teams decide who to retain and whom to pursue from other clubs. Stephens was one of two unrestricted free agents for the Firebirds, alongside Gustav Olofsson. Among the club’s restricted free agents from the 2025-26 roster who remain unsigned are Jacob Melanson, Logan Morrison, defenseman Ville Ottavainen, and goaltender Victor Ostman. Olofsson is listed as an unrestricted free agent.
Stephens’ signing comes just a week after the Kraken announced two one-year, two-way deals for speed-forward prospects from the Firebirds: Lleyton Roed and J.R. Avon, each worth $850,000. Roed, 23, is entering his second full season with the Firebirds, Seattle’s American Hockey League affiliate. The White Bear Lake, Minnesota native totaled 38 points (11 goals, 27 assists) in a career-high 65 regular-season games in 2025-26, with his 38 points and 27 assists representing both career highs. He ranked among the top Firebirds in 2025-26, placing fourth in points, fifth in assists, and eighth in goals. In 12 Calder Cup playoff games, Roed posted seven points (three goals, four assists), finishing fifth in the AHL playoffs in scoring. Roed has appeared in 236 regular-season AHL games throughout his career.