The Vegas Golden Knights have secured their future on ice. Captain Mark Stone has signed a two-year, $18 million extension that will keep him in Las Vegas through the conclusion of the 2028-29 NHL season, the team confirmed.
The deal averages $9 million annually and represents a significant vote of confidence from both sides. Stone, 33, has been the cornerstone of the Golden Knights' identity since the franchise's inception in 2017. He was one of the original keys in the expansion draft and has since become the first captain in team history, leading the franchise to a Stanley Cup championship in 2023 and multiple deep playoff runs.
Under the previous iteration of his contract, Stone was already among the highest-paid forwards in the league. The extension, however, signals the organization's commitment to building a competitive roster around its foundational leader rather than moving on as free agency approaches.
General Manager Kelly McCrimmon emphasized that keeping Stone in Vegas was a top priority. "Mark is more than just our captain on the ice — he's the heart and soul of this organization," McCrimmon said. "His leadership, work ethic, and competitiveness set the standard every single day in the locker room and on the rink."
Stone has been remarkably durable in recent seasons, missing only a handful of games over the past three campaigns despite carrying a heavy two-way workload. His ability to contribute at both ends of the ice — driving play at even strength while also shutting down opposing lines — makes him one of the most valuable forwards in the NHL, regardless of cap hit.
The extension comes at a time when the Golden Knights are looking to defend theirStanley Cup title and remain contenders in a increasingly deep Western Conference. Retaining Stone alongside core players like Jack Eichel, William Karlsson, and Adin Hill gives Vegas a stabilizing foundation as they navigate salary cap constraints and manage roster turnover.
For a franchise that has won back-to-back Central Division titles and reached the Stanley Cup Final twice in five years, locking up its captain early provides both competitive continuity and organizational stability. The 2028-29 season will mark Stone's ninth full campaign in Vegas, and if health holds, he could finish his career as the most decorated player in Golden Knights history.
