Mark Stone
Mark Stone (born May 13, 1992) is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger and captain of the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL).[1][2] Standing at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) and weighing 210 pounds (95 kg), Stone is renowned for his physicality, defensive responsibility, and offensive contributions as one of the league's premier two-way forwards.[3][4] Selected by the Ottawa Senators in the sixth round, 178th overall, of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Stone honed his skills in the Western Hockey League with the Brandon Wheat Kings before turning professional.[2] He debuted with Ottawa during the 2014–15 season and quickly established himself as a key contributor, posting career highs of 23 goals and 61 points in 75 games the following year while playing on the top line alongside Kyle Turris and Mike Hoffman.[2] Injuries limited his play in subsequent seasons, but he remained a consistent performer, scoring at least 20 goals in multiple campaigns despite missing time with various ailments.[4] On February 25, 2019, Stone was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Oskar Lindberg, a second-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, and defenceman Erik Brannström, after which he immediately signed an eight-year, $76 million contract extension with the team.[5] In his first full season with Vegas (2019–20), he recorded 51 points in 53 games and led the team in playoff scoring with 12 points in 20 games during their run to the Western Conference Final.[2] Named the inaugural captain of the Golden Knights on January 13, 2021, Stone guided the franchise to its first Stanley Cup championship in 2023, contributing 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 22 playoff games en route to the title.[6] Over his NHL career spanning parts of 11 seasons with Ottawa and Vegas, Stone has amassed 232 goals and 414 assists for 646 points in 718 regular-season games, along with 85 points in 112 playoff contests as of November 2025.[1] Internationally, he represented Canada at the 2016 and 2019 IIHF World Championships, winning gold in 2016 and silver in 2019, and at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, helping secure the gold medal.[7][8][9] Stone's leadership, tenacity, and all-around game have solidified his status as a cornerstone of the Golden Knights' success since joining the expansion franchise.[2]Early life
Upbringing
Mark Stone was born on May 13, 1992, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.[2] Growing up in the city's hockey-centric culture, he gained early exposure to the sport through local rinks, including the Keith Bodley Arena located just five minutes from his home.[10][11] Stone began organized play with the Winnipeg Minor Hockey Association, honing his skills in community programs that emphasized grassroots development.[12] During his youth, Stone developed notable physical attributes, growing into a frame that eventually reached 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) and 210 pounds (95 kg), which enhanced his presence on the ice.[2] However, he faced initial challenges with skating speed, as observers from an early age noted it as an area needing improvement, prompting focused efforts to build acceleration and agility through dedicated training.[13] His family provided crucial support in pursuing these developments, encouraging consistent practice amid the demands of minor hockey.[14] A key milestone came in midget-level play with the Winnipeg Thrashers of the Manitoba Midget AAA Hockey League during the 2007-08 season, where Stone emerged as a standout performer.[12] At the 2008 Telus Cup national U18 club championship, he led all scorers with eight points in seven games, helping the Thrashers secure a silver medal and drawing attention from junior scouts.[12] These achievements in Winnipeg's competitive minor leagues solidified his reputation as a promising talent, setting the stage for recruitment into major junior hockey.[14]Family background
Mark Stone was born on May 13, 1992, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to parents Rob Stone and Jackie Stone.[15][16] He has one older brother, Michael Stone, born on June 7, 1990, who also pursued a professional ice hockey career as a defenseman, playing 552 regular-season games across 12 NHL seasons with teams including the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes, Calgary Flames, and Ottawa Senators before announcing his retirement on July 5, 2023.[17][16] The Stone family's strong ties to hockey profoundly influenced Mark's early development, with his father Rob actively participating in recreational leagues at local arenas like Sargent Park and volunteering to flood outdoor rinks for community play, instilling a passion for the sport through hands-on involvement.[16][11] Jackie Stone played a nurturing role, enrolling her young sons in mom-and-tot skating programs twice weekly and adapting equipment—like a baby walker modified for Mark as an infant—to encourage his initial steps toward skating, fostering a supportive home environment that emphasized perseverance and sibling rivalry on the ice.[16][18] No other siblings are documented, and the family remained based in Winnipeg throughout Mark's junior career with the nearby Brandon Wheat Kings, providing consistent attendance and emotional backing for his development without relocating.[16]Playing career
Junior hockey
Mark Stone entered the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Brandon Wheat Kings for the 2008–09 season, following his selection in the fifth round (92nd overall) of the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft.[12] As a rookie, he posted 17 goals and 22 assists for 39 points in 56 regular-season games, contributing seven power-play goals and establishing himself as a promising offensive talent on a team that reached the WHL playoffs.[19] Stone's development accelerated in the 2010–11 and 2011–12 seasons, where he became a dominant force for the Wheat Kings. In 2010–11, he recorded 37 goals and 69 assists for 106 points in 71 games, leading the team in scoring and ranking third overall in the WHL.[20] The following year, as team captain, he elevated his performance further with 41 goals and 82 assists for 123 points in 66 games, finishing second in WHL scoring while leading Brandon in points for the second consecutive season.[20] [21] During these years, Stone underwent significant physical growth, reaching 6 feet 3 inches and 200 pounds, which helped him emerge as a power forward with strong net-front presence, physicality, and two-way reliability despite early concerns about his skating.[12] [22] His progress earned him recognition in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, where he was selected 178th overall in the sixth round by the Ottawa Senators.[23] Stone capped his junior career by being named to the WHL East First All-Star Team in 2012.[2]Ottawa Senators
Mark Stone signed his first professional contract with the Ottawa Senators organization following his junior career and was assigned to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Binghamton Senators, for the 2012–13 season.[12] There, he recorded 15 goals and 23 assists in 54 regular-season games, helping Binghamton reach the Calder Cup playoffs, where he added two goals and four assists in six games.[24] Stone returned to Binghamton for the 2013–14 season, posting five goals and seven assists in 23 games before earning a call-up to the NHL.[12] Stone made his NHL debut with the Ottawa Senators on March 3, 2014, against the Vancouver Canucks, appearing in 14 games during the 2013–14 regular season and contributing one goal and three assists while adjusting to professional play.[2] His transition to the NHL was gradual, as he balanced time between Binghamton and Ottawa, focusing on developing his two-way game as a right winger known for his physicality and forechecking.[2] The 2014–15 season marked Stone's breakout as a full-time NHL player, where he established himself on Ottawa's top line alongside Kyle Turris and Mike Hoffman, scoring 26 goals and adding 38 assists for 64 points in 80 games.[25] This performance earned him a Calder Memorial Trophy nomination as the league's top rookie and helped the Senators secure a playoff spot, though he was limited in the postseason by a microfracture in his right wrist sustained during the first round against the Montreal Canadiens.[26] The injury affected his mobility but did not prevent him from contributing two assists in five games.[26] In 2015–16, Stone built on his success with 61 points (23 goals, 38 assists) in 75 games, earning his first NHL All-Star selection and solidifying his role as a key offensive contributor while maintaining strong defensive metrics.[2] However, injuries began to impact his availability, including a sore neck that caused him to miss the final seven games of the regular season and limited his effectiveness in the playoffs against the New York Rangers.[27] Earlier in his Ottawa tenure, Stone dealt with concussions, notably one in December 2016 that sidelined him for multiple games during the 2016–17 season, highlighting ongoing challenges with head injuries that occasionally limited his games played.[28] By the 2018–19 season, Stone had emerged as a leader on the struggling Senators, serving as an alternate captain and wearing the "A" alongside Matt Duchene amid the team's contract uncertainties and rebuild.[29] He was performing at a career-best offensive pace, tallying 28 goals and 34 assists for 62 points in 59 games, leading Ottawa in scoring and demonstrating elite two-way play with 72 takeaways.[2] On February 25, 2019, ahead of the NHL trade deadline, the Senators traded Stone and forward Tobias Lindberg to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for defenseman Erik Brannstrom, forward Oscar Lindberg, and a second-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.[5] The deal marked the end of his 266-game tenure with Ottawa, where he amassed 167 points (74 goals, 93 assists) and became a cornerstone of the team's young core despite persistent injury concerns.[2]Vegas Golden Knights
Mark Stone joined the Vegas Golden Knights via trade from the Ottawa Senators on February 25, 2019, and quickly established himself as a cornerstone player by signing an eight-year, $76 million contract extension on March 8, 2019, with an average annual value of $9.5 million that runs through the 2026-27 season.[5][30] His immediate impact was evident in the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where he tallied 12 points (four goals and eight assists) in 20 games, helping Vegas defeat Dallas 4-1 in the Western Conference Final before losing 4-2 to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup Final.[2] On January 13, 2021, Stone was named the first permanent captain in franchise history, succeeding a series of alternate captains since the team's inception in 2017.[6] Under his leadership, the Golden Knights continued their contention status, culminating in the 2022-23 season when Stone, returning from back surgery on January 31, 2023, that sidelined him for the final 33 regular-season games (after playing 49), posted 24 playoff points (11 goals and 13 assists) in 22 games en route to Vegas's first Stanley Cup championship.[31][32] He scored the opening goal of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers and hoisted the Cup as captain after a 9-3 Game 5 victory.[33] Stone's tenure has been marked by resilience amid recurring injuries, including back issues that limited him to 37 games in 2021-22 and prompted surgery before the 2022-23 season, followed by the midseason procedure that year.[34] In 2023-24, a lacerated spleen sustained on February 20, 2024, forced him to miss the final 26 regular-season games, though he returned for the playoffs where Vegas lost to Dallas in seven games (4-3) in the first round.[35] By the 2024-25 season, Stone had fully recovered, delivering a strong performance with 19 goals and 48 assists for 67 points in 66 regular-season games while providing steady leadership during the team's post-Cup adjustments.[36] Midway through the season, he surpassed 10 goals, anchoring the top line and contributing to Vegas's Pacific Division standing.[31] In the 2025 playoffs, Stone added four goals in the first nine games as the Golden Knights advanced past Minnesota in the first round before facing Edmonton in the second. However, an upper-body injury suffered late in the first period (last shift at 13:40) in Game 3 on May 10, 2025—a 4-3 win for Vegas—sidelined him for the remainder of the series, including the decisive Game 5 overtime loss on May 15 that eliminated the team.[37][38] His absence highlighted his critical role in the club's postseason efforts, where his two-way play and on-ice presence have consistently elevated Vegas's championship aspirations since 2019.[39] In the 2025–26 season, Stone started strongly with 2 goals and 11 assists in 13 games before sustaining an upper-body injury (wrist) on October 20, 2025, against the Calgary Flames. He was placed on long-term injured reserve on October 23, 2025, and as of November 16, 2025, is expected to return around November 18.[40][41]International play
Olympics
Mark Stone has not yet competed in the Olympic Winter Games as of 2025. At age 21 during the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Stone was an NHL prospect who had recently signed an entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators but was not selected for Team Canada's roster, which prioritized established veterans and led to a gold medal victory over Sweden in the final.[2] Stone's opportunities for Olympic participation were further limited by the NHL's decision not to allow players to compete in the 2018 PyeongChang and 2022 Beijing Games due to scheduling and logistical concerns, marking the first absences since 1994. In preparation for future international events, Stone attended Hockey Canada's orientation camp for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics in August 2025, where he was among 42 NHL players invited to discuss team strategies and build chemistry. This positions him as a strong candidate for the roster, given his leadership as Vegas Golden Knights captain and defensive prowess, though final selection remains pending.[42]World Championships
Stone made his debut with the Canadian national team at the 2016 IIHF World Championship in Moscow and Riga, where he helped secure the gold medal by defeating Finland 2–0 in the final. Playing as a right winger, Stone recorded 4 goals and 6 assists for 10 points in 10 games, contributing offensively while logging significant minutes on the penalty kill as a reliable two-way forward.[43] Stone did not participate in the 2017 or 2018 tournaments, as the Ottawa Senators and Vegas Golden Knights, respectively, advanced deep into the NHL playoffs during those years. Returning for the 2019 IIHF World Championship in Bratislava and Košice, Stone joined the team after the Golden Knights' first-round playoff exit and played a pivotal role in Canada's run to the silver medal, losing 3–1 to Finland in the final. In 10 games, he led the tournament with 8 goals and Canada's scoring with 14 points (8 goals, 6 assists), earning the Directorate Award as the top forward and the MVP honors for his clutch performances, including multiple game-winning goals. Stone again excelled as a two-way forward, averaging over two minutes per game on the penalty kill.[44][45] Injuries and commitments with the Golden Knights, including his appointment as captain in 2021, prevented Stone from appearing at subsequent World Championships.4 Nations Face-Off
Stone represented Canada at the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off tournament held February 12–21, 2025, in Montreal and Boston, featuring teams from Canada, United States, Sweden, and Finland. He recorded 1 goal and 1 point in 4 games, including the game-tying goal in a 4–3 overtime win against Sweden in the opening match. Stone contributed to Canada's gold medal victory, defeating the United States 3–2 in overtime in the final.[46]Personal life
Family
Mark Stone married his longtime partner, Hayley Thompson, on August 28, 2021, at the Southern Highlands Golf Club in Las Vegas, Nevada.[47] The couple, who had been together since before Stone's 2019 trade to the Vegas Golden Knights, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Scarlett James Stone, on March 20, 2023.[48] Their second child was born in November 2024.[47] Following Stone's trade from the Ottawa Senators to the Vegas Golden Knights on February 25, 2019, he and Thompson relocated from Canada to Las Vegas, where they have since established their family home.[49] Thompson, originally from Ontario and the sister of fellow NHL player Cody Ceci's wife Jamie, has described the move as bittersweet but supportive of Stone's career advancement.[49] Stone has credited his growing family with providing essential balance amid the NHL's grueling schedule and his history of injuries, including back surgeries in 2022 and a lacerated spleen in 2024 that sidelined him for much of the regular season. Stone has continued to credit his family for support during recoveries, including a wrist injury in October 2025 that placed him on long-term injured reserve.[50][40]Community involvement
During his time with the Ottawa Senators, Mark Stone actively participated in youth hockey programs, including visits to the Senators Hockey Camps at the Bell Sensplex to engage with young players and share insights on the sport.[51] These efforts highlighted his commitment to fostering the next generation of hockey enthusiasts in the Ottawa community.[52] Since joining the Vegas Golden Knights in 2019, Stone has been a prominent figure in the team's philanthropic endeavors through the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation. As captain, he has led participation in key charity events, such as the annual VGK Charity Golf Classic, which raises significant funds for local causes including youth programs and health initiatives.[53] In 2023, Stone selected the Cure 4 The Kids Foundation—a Las Vegas organization focused on pediatric cancer treatment and research—as the recipient of a $250,000 donation from "The Pat McAfee Show," leveraging his platform to support uninsured and underinsured children.[54] He and his wife, Hayley, further demonstrated personal dedication by requesting wedding guests donate to the same foundation in lieu of traditional gifts.[54] Stone's community leadership extends to direct support for children's health causes. In 2024, he facilitated the dedication of a "No More Chemo" bell at the Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, funded through his charitable efforts, and joined teammates in holiday visits in 2023 to deliver cheer to young cancer patients.[55][56] That summer, following the Golden Knights' Stanley Cup victory, Stone brought the trophy to the Health Sciences Centre Children's Hospital in Winnipeg, allowing pediatric patients to celebrate with the team.[57] His contributions earned him the Vegas Strong Service Award in the 2021-22 season, recognizing the player most dedicated to giving back to the Las Vegas community.[58]Career statistics
Regular season and playoffs
Mark Stone made his NHL debut with the Ottawa Senators during the 2013–14 season and has since accumulated a career total of 712 games played, 233 goals, 414 assists, and 647 points, along with 229 penalty minutes and a +143 plus-minus rating as of November 16, 2025.[59][1] His career has been impacted by injuries, notably in the 2021–22 season when back issues limited him to 37 games with the Vegas Golden Knights.[2]Regular season
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–14 | Ottawa Senators | 19 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 4 | +5 |
| 2014–15 | Ottawa Senators | 80 | 26 | 38 | 64 | 14 | +21 |
| 2015–16 | Ottawa Senators | 75 | 23 | 38 | 61 | 38 | –4 |
| 2016–17 | Ottawa Senators | 71 | 22 | 32 | 54 | 25 | +12 |
| 2017–18 | Ottawa Senators | 58 | 20 | 42 | 62 | 10 | +9 |
| 2018–19 | Ottawa Senators | 59 | 25 | 28 | 53 | 24 | +12 |
| 2018–19 | Vegas Golden Knights | 22 | 8 | 12 | 20 | 3 | +5 |
| 2019–20 | Vegas Golden Knights | 65 | 21 | 42 | 63 | 27 | +15 |
| 2020–21 | Vegas Golden Knights | 55 | 21 | 40 | 61 | 28 | +26 |
| 2021–22 | Vegas Golden Knights | 37 | 9 | 21 | 30 | 8 | +7 |
| 2022–23 | Vegas Golden Knights | 43 | 17 | 21 | 38 | 10 | +11 |
| 2023–24 | Vegas Golden Knights | 56 | 16 | 37 | 53 | 22 | +1 |
| 2024–25 | Vegas Golden Knights | 66 | 19 | 48 | 67 | 14 | +22 |
| 2025–26 | Vegas Golden Knights | 10 | 5 | 13 | 18 | 2 | +4 |
| NHL | Total | 712 | 233 | 414 | 647 | 229 | +143 |
Playoffs
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–15 | Ottawa Senators | 6 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| 2016–17 | Ottawa Senators | 19 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 20 | +5 |
| 2017–18 | Ottawa Senators | 10 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 2 | +1 |
| 2018–19 | Vegas Golden Knights | 7 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 2 | +2 |
| 2019–20 | Vegas Golden Knights | 20 | 7 | 10 | 17 | 6 | –1 |
| 2020–21 | Vegas Golden Knights | 19 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 0 | +2 |
| 2022–23 | Vegas Golden Knights | 22 | 11 | 13 | 24 | 8 | +5 |
| 2023–24 | Vegas Golden Knights | 7 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 2 | –2 |
| 2024–25 | Vegas Golden Knights | 10 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 0 | –4 |
| NHL | Total | 110 | 41 | 43 | 84 | 40 | +8 |
International
Stone represented Canada in senior international competition at three IIHF World Championships, accumulating 20 games played and 24 points in total, plus the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.[60]Olympics
No Olympic appearances.World Championships
2016
| Year | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Canada | 10 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
2017
No appearance in 2017 IIHF World Championship.2019
| Year | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Canada | 10 | 8 | 6 | 14 | 0 |
4 Nations Face-Off
| Year | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Canada | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |