Mark Stone left an unforgettable mark on the NHL and the Stanley Cup when he helped his team clinch the coveted trophy in late spring 2023. He remains the most significant figure of the franchise, both in the past and present.

General Managers oversee and coaches guide, both vital roles indeed. However, ultimate success or failure rests on the shoulders of the players. Mark Stone, the captain of the Vegas Golden Knights, embodies this with a blend of leadership, skill, passion, and determination. At 32, he is not just a high-performing player but also a figure of profound depth beyond the confines of the game.

Stone determines the direction, the outlook, and the mentality. He’s the boom to Jack Eichel’s mainsail and the transmission to Alex Pietrangelo’s chassis. Though Vegas has speed and power throughout its roster, it’s Stone who knows when to accelerate, shift gears, or alter track position. He’s the leader, the emotional barometer, and an extraordinary winger.

Stone has missed a significant amount of hockey in recent seasons due to back surgeries and a lacerated spleen. Despite these challenges, he managed to participate in a Stanley Cup and scored 121 points over 136 regular season games.

In the spring of 2022, Vegas failed to make the post-season, leading to both fans and media in the hockey world labeling Stone and his teammates as past their prime.

Stone, with an air of defiance, declared before the forthcoming season that he had no interest in what others had to say or think. His faith was firmly placed in his team and he was ready to demonstrate their grit one game at a time. After hoisting the Stanley Cup in front of a global audience and bringing it to his team’s locker room, he yelled to his teammates, “We’re the best damn hockey team in the world!”

The Game 7 loss to the Dallas Stars and subsequent first-round exit last spring was a letdown, but it also offered the consolation of a prolonged off-season. Having played more playoff hockey in the last seven seasons than any team except the Tampa Bay Lightning, the franchise certainly welcomed the rest and recovery. This may have been particularly beneficial for the team captain.

Gary Lawless: You had missed the playoffs the year before you won the Stanley Cup, and there was much speculation about the Golden Knights being past their prime. I remember interviewing you during that period, and you were quite upfront about your feelings towards the public opinion and about your team in general. You guys faced defeat in the first round last year, losing Game 7 to an impressive Dallas team. With that experience under your belt, do you believe your team will be more motivated this year?

Mark Stone: Indeed, the situations have been varied. We might have had a prolonged run last year, and the year before that, missing the playoffs was perhaps a hidden advantage. It allowed us to reassess after enduring all the pressures and strains. It was beneficial to get ourselves organized then. However, this year, I believe we’re continuing to build on a significant record we’ve established over the past few years. I still believe we’ve laid a robust groundwork for welcoming new players. True, there have been changes in the team lineups, an unfortunate but unavoidable aspect of the game. We can’t retain and compensate everyone, and it’s hard to see friends and teammates depart. But we’re bringing in new, eager players excited to join our Vegas team. My emotional reactions to such changes have lessened with age. I’ve come to accept that we’re targeted because others want to see us falter. We haven’t disappointed much in our past, leading to certain quarters wanting to see the Golden Knights stumble. Yet, as I mentioned, the solid foundation we’ve established doesn’t allow for such setbacks. Hence, I’m optimistic. I believe the team is keen to return. We certainly have a point to prove. Many in our field doubt our capability to reclaim our former status, but only time will reveal the truth. We continue to believe that we’re among the teams entering training camp with a shot at the Stanley Cup.

GL: Given your history of back surgeries and the spleen injury last year, it’s likely that this question will persist indefinitely. Personally, I don’t think this team can succeed without you. You are, in my opinion, the most vital player. How do you react to that?

MS: I’m in a good state of mind. Last year was one of the best in my career, statistically speaking, until an unexpected accident occurred. After a lengthy and unfortunate summer, I feel revitalized and eager to return to the game. Some may doubt my sincerity when I say I aim to play all 82 games each season. I’ve had my share of daunting injuries, but I believe they’ve strengthened the resilience of our team, given what we’ve been through in past years. I eagerly anticipate reuniting with the team, resuming practice, and starting anew. From day one, we’ll be building upon an already solid base.

GL: Your training camp roster includes centermen like Jack Eichel, William Karlsson, Tomas Hertl, and Nicolas Roy, as well as defensemen such as Alex Pietrangelo, Noah Hanifin, Shea Theodore, Brayden McNabb among others. Management has brought in Ilya Samsonov to complement Adin Hill, forming a strong goalie tandem. The common wisdom is to build a team from the middle, starting with the goaltender, then the defense, and finally the centermen. Judging by this, your team stands shoulder to shoulder with the best in the NHL.

MS: Winning requires strong defense, exceptional centermen, and skilled goaltending. I find it puzzling why we’re being discounted when we have all these elements. We boast top-ranking centers, six to eight deep defensemen, a Stanley Cup-winning goalie, and another goalie who has consistently performed at a starting caliber. Our defense should excite him. Our wingers complement our team perfectly, so I don’t anticipate any major issues. Our four extraordinary centers can adapt and play the wing if necessary. Additionally, we’ve incorporated some promising young players, including Victor Olofsson who is seeking to rejuvenate his career in the league. I believe we’re well-equipped in all the crucial positions.

GL: How’s your summer been? 

MS: To be honest, it’s been quite relaxed. I attended a few weddings and had some downtime. Watching my daughter develop into a little person over the past few months has been really enjoyable. At first, her personality wasn’t evident, but now it’s beginning to shine through which has been great. It’s the best way to describe it. This part has been really enjoyable, especially as once training camp starts, you don’t get as much family time. The past few months have been thoroughly enjoyable. I was able to visit my dad and my brother’s family during the Olympics last week, which was fantastic. I’m eager to get back now, as it feels like the right time.

GL: Are you interested in representing Canada at the 4 Nations Face-off?

MS: It’s one of those opportunities that I would never refuse. My aim is to be a part of that team, it’s something I aspire to. I would relish the chance to have two outstanding years personally, and to represent Canada in 2025 and 2026 would be a dream realized. It would be an honor to play alongside some of the best players globally. I would absolutely embrace such an opportunity, and it would rank among the most significant achievements in my career. However, if it doesn’t come to pass, I will redirect my energies to the Vegas Golden Knights. I won’t deny that I’m extremely interested and committed to earning a spot on that team.

GL: Reflecting on last year’s playoffs, it seemed that both you and Hertl could have used a bit more time in the lineup. Dallas was a formidable opponent. But it wasn’t just you and Hertl; many players were returning from injuries. What do you think the outcome might have been if you had overcome Dallas?

MS: It’s difficult to pinpoint what went wrong. However, I always have faith in every series we participate in. I am convinced it’s quite challenging to defeat us in four out of seven games. That’s my constant belief, and it makes me think we always have a shot at winning the Stanley Cup every season, isn’t it? Dallas indeed found it tough to beat us in four out of seven games; they had to stretch it to seven. It was unfortunate that it all depended on an unpredictable bounce that went off Marty’s skate perfectly in the corner. We might have continued if not for that, but that’s how hockey goes. Perhaps we were the lucky ones in the previous season. As I mentioned, I will always maintain my confidence entering a series, knowing a team has to defeat us in four out of seven games because, in my opinion, that’s quite a daunting task. This is just my confidence in our team’s capability.

GL: What do you enjoy about training camp?

MS: The question is apt because while training camps are often spoken of as tough, I truly enjoy the eager spirit of young players experiencing their first camp. It’s quite inspiring. I can relate to their excitement, having once been in their shoes, thrilled to be skating on NHL ice. My aim is to make the exhibition games feel as akin to a regular season game as possible, for many of these kids will return to junior hockey and crave this experience. My goal is to make them as comfortable as possible. Even now, at 32, walking into the first day of training camp, I feel as excited as a 23-year-old at my first NHL camp. Seeing the staff and players is always a thrill. Despite the organized chaos, it’s a time where we can accomplish much and set the tone for the kind of team we aspire to be for the season. As we will have new players joining us this year, it’s crucial they understand our standards and the way we operate.

GL: You’ve spent some time playing with (Pavel) Dorofeyev and it appears he’s on the brink of achieving great things. Does this excite you?

MS: Indeed, he has been showing consistent improvement year after year, day after day. It’s evident that he’s been making steady progress in his performance. His unique talent sets him apart from most players. Not many can shoot or handle the puck as efficiently as he does. His understanding of the league is increasing and he will surely find more scoring opportunities. He makes it effortless for his linemates to play along, a quality that not all players possess. He has a knack for winning pucks when he’s on the ice. He’s subtly skilled at effectively handling the walls at a high level. Without a doubt, he is going to be a crucial player for our team.