Vegas Golden Knights’ captain Mark Stone has faced numerous significant injuries over the past three seasons, raising concerns given his age. Since the 2021-22 season, Stone has appeared in only 136 games. Although he has been highly productive when healthy and led the Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup victory, his frequent injuries have impacted the team. At 32 years old, recovering from injuries will become increasingly challenging for him. Notably, he has dealt with serious issues, including two back injuries—one requiring surgery—and a recent lacerated spleen.
Stone’s style of play has helped mitigate the impact of these injuries. Known for his hockey IQ rather than speed, he leverages his 6’3″ frame and exceptional anticipation to cover the ice effectively. However, ongoing back issues could eventually undermine his shooting ability and overall performance.
With three years remaining on his contract, this season is crucial for both Stone and the Golden Knights. If Stone can’t return to his previous form, the team will face a $9.5M salary cap hit. Should he regain his form but suffer another major injury, both he and the team will need to confront difficult decisions about his future.
The Golden Knights, their fans, and Stone himself are hopeful he can perform well and stay injury-free, though his injury history undeniably raises concerns.
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