There are some players you cannot live without. The impact they make on their team is endless. It does not matter the position they play, that person is a key to their success. A huge example of this is Connor McDavid for the Edmonton Oilers. Especially this season given the historic pace he is on. But one player that leaves an impact on their team is Vegas Golden Knights Mark Stone.
The Impact Of Vegas Golden Knights Mark Stone
The Vegas Golden Knights have never been shy about adding star calibre talent to their lineup. And when they added Stone and handed him the captaincy, his impact on the club is greatly appreciated. From his leadership to how he plays the game, Stone is a valuable asset to the club.
Better With Him Than Without
Some teams are able to overcome losses. And the Vegas Golden Knights impact with Mark Stone is greater with him than without him. The team’s record shows his impact with him in the lineup.
- 2019-20
Record: 35-22-8 with him
Record: 4-2 without him
- 2020-21
Record: 40-13-2 with him
Record: 0-1 without him
- 2021-22
Record 24-19-2 without him
Record: 19-12-6 with him
- 2022-23
Record: 28-13-2 with him
Record: 1-5 without him
Injuries have plagued the power forward for the past two seasons. A brutal back injury shut him down for a portion of the year, and now he is on a week-to-week basis and will remain out through the All-Star break. Their overall record with Stone is 133-65-20.
What He Brings To The Table
Vegas Golden Knights Mark Stone impacts the lineup by what he brings to the table. Stone excels in his two-way game and plays the power forward role well. He is a hard-nosed winger who is not afraid to park himself at the front of the net. Stone also excelled defensively, becoming a Selke Trophy nominee in 2020-21.
The 2020-21 Selke nominees have been announced.
1. If he wins, Mark Stone will be squarely in the Sean Couturier camp of being honoured a few years after he definitely deserved it. His offence far outweighed his defence this season. #VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/iusJsRmXva
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 6, 2021
This season in general, Stone ranks third in CorsiFor (52.59%), a ShotsFor percentage of 55.44 (third), and he leads the team in xGF% (58.47%). When he is on the ice, Vegas generates 149 high-danger chances while allowing 99. In addition, Stone has been on the ice for 21 high-danger goals (leads the team). His presence is impactful and ranks high among Vegas in all these impactful areas of the ice.
Stone has made his time on the ice count. During his tenure with Vegas, 73 goals, 130 assists, and 203 points in 218 games. That is nearly a point-per-game pace and he is key to the team’s top line. In addition, he has been near the top in production for the team: 2nd in 2019-20, 1st in 2020-21, and 2nd this season. Last year he finished 10th while only playing in 37 games. Management knew what they were getting when they traded for him and he’s lived up to it.
How To Address His Absence
As shown, the impact of Mark Stone is well known. But with the Pacific growing competitive and little separation, the team needs to right the ship. Depth on the roster is there. Chandler Stephenson leads the team in points, while also having Jack Eichel, Jonathan Marchessault, Reilly Smith, and a productive fourth line. It is possible they ride out the depth until his possible return, or they make a move.
Filling Stone’s shoes is not an easy task. What he provides in the lineup is crucial to the team’s success at both ends of the ice. This management group is not shy to make any moves, and with the deadline drawing nearer a trade could boost this club further. There are a lot of juicy names on the block, but with the little cap space they have to work with, it will be a little fish that comes on board.
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