The year was shaping up to the best of Mitchell Stephens' young career.
After completing his second full season with Saginaw in the OHL, finishing as the Spirit’s second-leading scorer (22 goals, 26 assists), Stephens was picked with the 33rd overall selection in the 2015 NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning, who were coming off the franchise’s second-ever appearance in the Stanley Cup Final. A responsible, two-way centerman, Stephens drew comparisons to the Bolts’ Ryan Callahan on draft day from Tampa Bay director of amateur scouting Al Murray.
Through the first seven games of the 2015-16 season with Saginaw, Stephens scored five goals, including a hat trick in game No.