Hockey could be played this summer and, if that’s the case, then a healthy Mark Stone will be huge for the Vegas Golden Knights.
With the entire sporting world on lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vegas Golden Knights are playing a game of wait and see when it comes to if or when the NHL can resume the 2019-20 regular season.
Although every day seems to bring a radical new proposal, the latest reports suggests that mini Training Camps could open as early as June 1.
The NHL would then look to resume the regular season by July 1, cramming in a bevy of games each day while using two to four NHL arenas and cities.
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While a lot of details still need to be thrashed out, this latest proposal does seem to make the most sense as it would allow the league to complete the regular season before jumping into the playoffs, thus protecting the integrity of the Stanley Cup.
And, if hockey does indeed return this year, then the Golden Knights will need Mark Stone firing on all cylinders and operating at the peak of his powers.
Stone missed the last six games prior to the NHL going on lockdown after suffering a lower-body injury, although there was hope that the elite forward could return before the conclusion of the regular season.
The one major benefit of there being no hockey is the fact that Stone, along with Max Pacioretty and Alex Tuch, has had the chance to heal and rehab without the pressure of rushing back in order to help the Knights stamp their playoff ticket.
Now fully healthy, Stone will be able to regain his sharpness should Training Camps open on June 1, ensuring he’s in the best shape possible once the regular season resumes on July 1 as is the hope of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
A month-long Training Camp should be enough for Stone to settle into his groove again, and it will then be down to the player himself to be a real difference maker for the Golden Knights.
Second on the team in points with 63 (21 goals, 42 assists) prior to going down with injury and the NHL going on lockdown, Stone is the most talented player on the Vegas roster and he will need to deliver the goods down the stretch and in the postseason.
Having also put together another impressive year in his own zone with 51 blocked shots, 56 hits and 78 takeaways, the 27-year-old will be the Golden Knights’ not-so secret weapon down the stretch and in the playoffs.
Boasting a high hockey IQ, a dazzling array of skills and a wicked release, Stone belongs in the upper-echelons of elite two-way forwards in the NHL.
He just reads the game differently to most players and, as such, has the ability to change the momentum of a game with a single play.
With a wide-open window when it comes to their championship aspirations, the Golden Knights will be hoping that they do get the opportunity to fight for a ring this year.
And, if their wishes are granted, then there is no doubt that they will need Mark Stone to be at his very best when it comes to crunch time.
If the Vegas Golden Knights get elite production from their weapon of mass destruction when it matters most, then it could be a glorious summer for the third-year NHL expansion franchise.