Vegas Golden Knights fans are holding their collective breath. NHL insider Nick Kypreos recently dropped a bombshell report indicating that “a lot of people” are actively speculating about the long-term health and playing future of captain Mark Stone. If you’re wondering whether Stone will retire or be forced onto Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR), the writing might already be on the wall.
At nearly 34 years old, Stone’s chronic back/lumbar issues and lower-body injuries have piled up, creating a massive $9.5 million question mark for the Golden Knights’ front office. Despite playing only 55 games this season, Stone still managed an incredible 67 points, proving his elite two-way game hasn’t vanished. But the NHL is an unforgiving league. Let’s break down exactly what Kypreos’ report means for Stone’s future, how Vegas might utilize his potential LTIR cap space, and whether we’ve seen the last of one of the NHL’s premier wingers.
The Toll of Injuries: Is LTIR the Inevitable Path for Mark Stone?
As someone who covers the NHL on a daily basis, my take is that we are witnessing the physical breakdown of a warrior. Stone is the third-highest-paid player on the Vegas Golden Knights roster, carrying a hefty average annual value (AAV) of $9.5 million with one year remaining on his contract.
When he is on the ice, he remains among the best two-way forwards in the game. You don’t put up 67 points in 55 games by accident. But his medical chart is daunting. He has dealt with severe back and lumbar issues that required major surgery, an ongoing wrist injury, and a cascade of lower-body ailments that have routinely sidelined him for prolonged stretches. We cannot dismiss the very real possibility that his body simply needs more time to recuperate from the immense wear-and-tear of professional hockey than a standard offseason can provide.
Kypreos rightly pointed out the parallel between Stone and his teammate, veteran defenseman Alex Pietrangelo. Pietrangelo has spent this season on LTIR and is widely expected to remain there next season. When a player’s body breaks down to the point where prolonged time off is necessary, LTIR becomes the most viable avenue—both for the player’s quality of life and the team’s competitive window.
Exploring the Golden Knights’ Salary Cap Gymnastics
If Mark Stone is unable to suit up next year, the ripple effects on the Vegas Golden Knights’ roster construction will be seismic. Pietrangelo’s absence already provided the Golden Knights with $8.8 million in crucial cap relief.
Should Stone end up joining him on LTIR, it would free up another massive $9.5 million chunk of salary cap space. In true Vegas fashion, General Manager Kelly McCrimmon would undoubtedly weaponize that newfound $18.3 million in combined relief to aggressively bolster their roster for next season. While it would be a heartbreaking way for the captain to step away, the Golden Knights have never been shy about making blockbuster moves when the cap space becomes available.
Mark Stone Career NHL Stats
| Type | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 761 | 255 | 446 | 701 | 161 |
| Playoffs | 112 | 41 | 44 | 85 | 8 |
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The post Will Mark Stone Retire? Vegas Golden Knights Injury Updates & Cap Impact appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
