Elliotte Friedman has put two familiar Vegas names squarely in the spotlight: Mark Stone and William Karlsson.
On 32 Thoughts, Friedman pointed to both Golden Knights veterans as contract situations worth watching, with each deal set to expire next season.
"To me, two of the more fascinating conversations are going to be around Mark Stone and William Karlsson; two very interesting contracts for Vegas; they keep who they want; Father Time is undefeated."
Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts
That comment naturally raises the question of what Vegas does next. Stone and Karlsson are both over 30, and both have dealt with injuries in recent years, which is enough to make any front office think hard about the future. But there’s also a strong case for keeping them around, especially if the price stays reasonable.
Karlsson remains a valuable piece of the Golden Knights’ structure. He contributes on special teams, can win key face-offs, and can help shut down some of the league’s top threats. If Vegas wants to keep the Original Misfit in the fold, the smarter play would be a smaller, team-friendly deal.
Stone brings even more offense. He averaged 1.22 points per game last season, making him one of the team’s most important scorers. He also adds value on the power play, where he can create chances for himself and set up teammates.
There’s also the matter of what Stone means to the group beyond the box score. The Golden Knights have posted a lifetime record of 237-118-45 with him in the lineup, and his presence clearly matters to how the team performs. His energy and emotion have become part of the package.
None of this means Vegas should hand out a long-term contract at any cost. If the money and term get too heavy, the team would be better off moving on.
But Stone and Karlsson have both become more than just useful players. They’ve become part of the fabric of the franchise, and they’ve also earned a place with fans in Las Vegas.
Jonathan Marchessault’s situation was different because the term was too much for McCrimmon to handle. Stone and Karlsson, though, could still make sense for the Golden Knights if both sides are willing to keep the relationship going on the right terms.
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