Mark Stone left an unforgettable mark on the NHL and the Stanley Cup when he led his team to victory and hoisted the revered trophy in the late spring of 2023. He remains the most pivotal figure in the franchise to this day.

General Managers handle the administration while coaches provide guidance – both roles are undoubtedly crucial. However, ultimately it’s the players who participate and determine the outcome of the game. A prime example is Mark Stone, the captain of the Vegas Golden Knights. His unique blend of leadership, talent, fervor, and determination set him apart. At 32, he continues to be a top-tier player, but his influence extends far beyond the boundaries of gameplay. Stone’s value lies in more than just his actions during the game.

Stone is the compass, guiding the course, shaping the attitude, and determining the mindset. He is the boom to Jack Eichel’s mainsail, the transmission to Alex Pietrangelo’s chassis. While Vegas possesses speed and power across the lineup, it is Stone who masterfully recognizes when to accelerate, decelerate, or alter position. He is the team’s captain, their emotional barometer, and an extraordinary winger.

Stone has missed a significant amount of hockey over the last few seasons due to issues ranging from back surgeries to a lacerated spleen. However, he has still managed to participate in a Stanley Cup and accumulate 121 points over 136 regular season games.

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

Before the upcoming season, Stone confidently declared that he had no time for people’s words and opinions. He held a strong belief in his team and was eager to prove their worth, game by game. After lifting the Stanley Cup in front of the world and carrying it into his team’s locker room, he passionately exclaimed to his teammates, “We’re the best damn hockey team in the world!”

The disappointing Game 7 loss to the Dallas Stars and subsequent first round exit last spring was a disappointment, but it also gave the silver lining of an extended off-season. This rest and recovery period was a welcome change for a franchise that, except for the Tampa Bay Lightning, has played more playoff hockey in the last seven seasons than any other team. This was perhaps most beneficial for the captain, more than any of his teammates.

Gary Lawless: Ahead of your Stanley Cup win, your team missed the playoffs the previous year and many were suggesting that the Golden Knights were past their prime. During our interview at the time, you were quite frank about your feelings on these opinions and your team’s capabilities. However, you experienced a first-round loss in Game 7 against a solid Dallas team last year. How does this impact your mindset? Do you believe your team will approach this year with a heightened sense of hunger as a result of last year’s events?

Mark Stone: Indeed, the last two years have presented different scenarios. I believe we had the potential for a lengthy run last year. Conversely, not making the playoffs the previous year was a disguised blessing. It allowed us to regroup after enduring wear and tear and to get our priorities straight. Nevertheless, I believe we are still building on our impressive track record from the last couple of years. We’ve created a strong base that can accommodate new players. Undeniably, there has been some roster turnover, an unfortunate business reality that we can’t avoid. Saying goodbye to friends and teammates is tough. However, we’re bringing in new, eager players who are thrilled to join our Vegas team.

In my youth, I was more emotional about these changes. As I’ve matured, I’ve realized that we’re a target for those who wish to see us fail. Despite the desire of some to see the Golden Knights crash and burn, our strong foundation prevents that from happening. Therefore, I remain confident. Our team is eager to return, carrying a chip on our shoulder. Many in our industry doubt our ability to regain our previous form, but time will be the judge. We maintain our belief that we’re one of the teams heading into training camp with a shot at the Stanley Cup.

GL: Given your history of back surgeries and last year’s spleen injury, it’s likely that this question will keep coming up, perhaps indefinitely. In my view, this team can’t succeed without you – you are the vital player. How do you react to this?

MS: I’m in a good place, felt great last year too before that unexpected accident which ended one of my best statistical seasons. Now, after a lengthy and unfortunate summer, I feel revitalized and eager to return to the game. Many doubt me when I express my intention to play all 82 games each season. Yes, I’ve had to deal with some brutal injuries, but such hardships only contribute to the resilience our team has developed over the years. I’m thrilled at the prospect of reuniting with the team, resuming our practice sessions, and rebuilding from the ground up. We’ll start on day one, enhancing our already solid base.

GL: Your training camp roster includes centermen Jack Eichel, William Karlsson, Tomas Hertl, and Nicolas Roy. The defense is equally impressive with Alex Pietrangelo, Noah Hanifin, Shea Theodore, and Brayden McNabb. And there are more. Ilya Samsonov has been brought in by management to team up with Adin Hill, forming a strong goalie duo. The saying is always that you build a team from the middle out, starting with the goaltender. So, with your goaltender, defense, and centermen, you’re as competitive as any other NHL team.

MS: To win, you require a solid defense, excellent centermen, and effective goaltending. I find it perplexing when people write us off, considering we have all top end centers in their positions and our defense runs six to eight players deep. We have a goalie who has previously demonstrated his capabilities by winning the Stanley Cup as a starting goalie. We also have another goalie who has consistently proven himself of starting caliber throughout his career. I believe he should be enthusiastic about playing with our defense. We have good, supporting wingers, which I don’t think should pose a significant problem. We have four exceptional centers that can be repositioned as needed, and they can also play the wing if necessary. Additionally, we have introduced some promising young players who are eager to make their mark in the league. Among them is Victor Olofsson, who is looking to make a comeback in the league. I strongly believe that we are well-equipped in the key positions required for victory.

GL: How’s your summer been? 

MS: To be honest, I’ve had a pretty low-key time recently. I attended a few weddings and enjoyed some relaxation. These past couple of months have been delightful, especially since I’ve gotten to watch my daughter grow and develop her personality for the first time last year. It’s been a joy, honestly. However, I know that once training camp starts, I won’t have as much time for these things. So, I’ve truly cherished these last couple of months. I even had the opportunity to visit my family during the Olympics last week, which was fantastic. I’m now looking forward to getting back to work. 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 one can’t resist, isn’t it? I would never say no to this. Being a part of that team is an aspiration of mine. I yearn to be a part of that team. I would be thrilled if I could have two peak years of my career in 2025 and 2026, playing for Canada. It would be like a dream come true. The opportunity to play alongside the world’s best players is something I would wholeheartedly embrace and cherish. It could be a career highlight for me. However, if it doesn’t materialize, then so be it. I would then devote my energies to the Vegas Golden Knights. I won’t deny that I am very keen and resolute about making it to that team.

GL: Last year’s playoffs saw you and Hertl back in the lineup, seemingly needing a bit more time to adjust. Dallas proved to be a worthy adversary. However, it wasn’t just you and Hertl who were returning from injuries – several other members of the team were as well. What are your thoughts on the potential outcome had you defeated Dallas?

MS: It’s difficult to determine what might have been, but I remain confident in every series we enter. I believe that it’s challenging for any team to defeat us in four out of seven games. This is something I firmly believe, leading me to think we always have the potential to win the Stanley Cup every season, right? Beating us four out of seven proved tough for Dallas. They had to go all seven games. Unfortunately, a fluke bounce off Marty’s skate in the corner led to our defeat, otherwise we might have advanced. But that’s the nature of hockey. Perhaps we were the beneficiaries of such breaks the previous year. However, as I mentioned earlier, my confidence remains high entering any series, knowing that a team must beat us four out of seven games, a feat I believe is quite demanding. This confidence stems from my belief in our team.

GL, what aspects of training camp do you enjoy?

MS: That’s a valid question. Many people talk about the challenges of training camps, but I actually find the eagerness of the rookies at their first camp inspiring. I can relate to their excitement as I was once in their shoes, thrilled to be playing at the NHL level. During the exhibition games, we strive to provide them with an experience that’s as authentic as possible. Many of these young players will return to junior hockey and they’re eager to gain this experience. Our goal is to make them feel comfortable. Even now, at 32 years old, I still feel the same excitement I did at 23 when attending my first NHL training camp. It’s always a pleasure to meet the staff and players. Training camp may seem chaotic, but it’s an effective way to set the tone for the upcoming season, defining what kind of team we aspire to be. This year, we’ll have new players who need to learn our standards and methods.

GL: You’ve had some experience playing with (Pavel) Dorofeyev, who seems to be on the brink of achieving great success. Are you looking forward to what he could bring to the table?

MS: Indeed, he has exhibited consistent improvement, not just annually but daily as well. He comes across as an individual who has consistently honed his skills every single day. I believe he possesses a prowess that is rare. Few players can match his ability to shoot the puck or take it to the net. With more exposure to the league, he will further refine his scoring tactics. He augments his linemates’ performance, an attribute that is not common. Some players can make it difficult for their linemates to perform, but he is not one of them. He has a knack for winning pucks when he’s in the game and his ability to work the walls at a high level is often underestimated. He is set to be a crucial player for us.