There's no denying that Mark Stone deserves to represent Team Canada on its Olympic roster. The Vegas Golden Knights captain has been on an absolute heater since he returned from a wrist injury, scoring four goals and seven assists. That included two goals (with Stone getting the overtime winner) against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday.
Of course, nobody would be surprised if the Winnipeg native made Team Canada's main roster for Milan. After all, he was on Canada's roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off, winning the All-Star tournament in the process. But this would be icing on the cake for the Golden Knights' head honcho. Just look at Vegas's record with him in the lineup.
6-5-5 when he was out.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 12, 2025
9-1-4 when he's in.
Big difference in OT as all 3 wins have been when he's in.
I mean, what isn't there to like about the 33-year-old? He's a fantastic two-way forward who averages more than a point per game. We're talking about averaging 1.71 points per game in 2025-26. That's pretty dam impressive, eh?
If Stone weren't suffering from spleen and back injuries, he'd easily be a 100-point player. Heck, you could make the case that he'd be the first player in Golden Knights history to achieve the single-season feat. But the latest point streak since returning makes putting Stone on Team Canada's roster an absolute no-brainer.
Where would Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone land on Team Canada's roster?
This December has seen the 33-year-old winger surge to new heights. Scoring two goals and six assists in five December games will catch anybody's eye. That's not even mentioning how he has two goals and four assists in three games. So, where would the Captain land in Team Canada's final roster?
Let's look at ESPN for a second. Yeah, I know that Disney is the most unlikable company around since they always have ads automatically playing. However, the "World Wide Leader in Sports" (that would be Comcast, by the way) has Stone playing on the third line. He'd play alongside Brayden Point of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks.
That's right. He's playing alongside a San Jose Shark. Get ready for all the Will's, Mack's, and Josh's of the world to have their collective heads explode. The bane of San Jose's long existence is playing with its biggest superstar. However, it makes sense.
Why Stone was placed on the third line in ESPN's Team Canada projections
Brandon Hagel and Brad Marchand are two viable wingers who can score in bunches. Of course, Marchand was placed on the second line, which I personally disagree with. However, Stone's guidance can help Celebrini develop into a bona fide superstar.
His two-way expertise can mold Celebrini's game into that of a 200-ft. monster, covering every inch of the ice. The Sharks' superstar already has the offensive side down to a tee. Just imagine if he backchecks and jumps into transition like a pro.
That would catapult him past Connor Bedard in the great race for the NHL's 2030s "league face" (or something like that). Celebrini is bigger and wouldn't suffer a complete breakdown of talent like Jonathan Marchessault.
That's partially why Stone's presence on Team Canada is inevitable. He's on a heater that's bringing 100-degree weather back to Las Vegas... in December. Canada could see that from the Captain come February, setting Italy ablaze with emotions and vivid expressions.