Mark Stone's MVP Candidacy in the NHL

Heart of Stone: Why Mark Stone Should be an MVP Candidate in the NHL

Mark Stone has certainly been on a promising tear this season with the way he’s playing right now for the Vegas Golden Knights. Given how he’s been able to lead the team to a promising success so far at this point in the 2024-25 campaign, one can say that his leadership with the team is certainly paying off, but does that also make him a promising candidate for the MVP award at this point?

Does Mark Stone Deserve to be an MVP Candidate?

As a right winger, you could expect Stone to be the heart and soul of the team now more than ever considering that he is one of the best playmakers in the game. Still, it goes without saying that he’s been one of the best aces in the squad, being able to compete at a high level and showing that he is indeed a true leader who can help the Golden Knights to a promising finish.

Spending most of his years with the Ottawa Senators from 2012-13 to the 2018-19 season, Stone would enter a new era in his games with the Vegas Golden Knights, leading them to a title run in their inaugural season before finally clinching its first Stanley Cup in the 2022-23 season.

Mark Stone has a promising mark of an MVP candidate this season so far image

Sure, they are a season removed from winning that title after the early exit in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but now they are pushing their way to the top of the Western Conference once more, and it does seem that there will be a lot of points for consideration, especially with the way Stone is leading Vegas in their rapid-fire campaign in the season – boasting a +32 advantage in goals vs goals against so far.

The Golden Knights have moved on well even without Jonathan Marchessault – who used to be one of the team’s best stars – on the rink after moving to the Nashville Predators in the offseason. And yet Vegas is doing better than ever, and they are even poised for a strong finish in the season should they continue their pace.

The Jack Eichel Buffer

While there’s a lot of hype for Mark Stone to make his case for the MVP, it does seem that there are a lot of reasons why he wouldn’t be able to pull it off. For instance, there’s Jack Eichel, who is arguably the bigger candidate by far for the Golden Knights. If you are not convinced, the stats do say a lot about their games and their case for the MVP.

Jack Eichel image

Jack Eichel Stats (Updated as of January 24, 2025)

Games Played	Goals	Assists	Points
46	12	46	58

Mark Stone Stats (Updated as of January 23, 2025)

Games Played	Goals	Assists	Points
33	12	27	39

Based on the stats, Eichel definitely has a stronger case for the MVP at this point considering the fact that he has played at least 13 more games that Stone, and the points total even says a lot about how his impact has also helped a lot in the Golden Knights’ campaign for a massive push to the top of the league. Moreover, Eichel has been at the hot hand so far, and he continues to play the same style as Stone does, further expanding his worth now more than ever.

Why is Mark Stone the Real MVP for the Golden Knights?

When discussing Mark Stone, one of the first attributes that stands out is his two-way ability. Stone is not only a prolific offensive player but also one of the best defensive forwards in the league. His elite positioning, hockey IQ, and defensive awareness make him a constant threat on both ends of the ice.

Stone’s ability to shut down top players, create turnovers, and transition from defense to offense is unparalleled. He is known for his ability to create turnovers in the neutral zone and even deep in the defensive zone. His 200-foot game—combining elite playmaking with outstanding defensive responsibility—is something that sets him apart from many other forwards in the league.

Here’s how Mark Stone is really the MVP of the Golden Knights this season:

Leadership Matters

Mark Stone's leadership is undeniable. As the captain of the Vegas Golden Knights, he sets the tone for his team both on and off the ice. Stone is a calming presence who consistently leads by example, whether it’s through his work ethic, consistency, or his ability to step up in big moments.

In the highly competitive NHL, where leadership can make or break a team, Stone’s quiet but effective leadership style is exactly what a championship-caliber team needs. His ability to inspire teammates, foster team chemistry, and elevate the play of those around him is a crucial intangible that doesn't show up on a stat sheet but has an outsized impact on the success of the Golden Knights.

Stone's leadership in Vegas is unparalleled image

Impact on Both Ends of the Rink

Another area where Stone shines is his consistency. Over the course of his career, he’s maintained a high level of performance year after year. In a league where injuries and slumps can derail even the most talented players, Stone’s ability to perform at a high level consistently sets him apart.

His offensive numbers, while not as flashy as those of pure goal-scorers, still speak volumes. As a key contributor to the Golden Knights' offense, Stone provides critical secondary scoring, serves as a playmaker, and possesses one of the most effective wrist shots in the game. More importantly, he makes those around him better, whether it’s by creating space, setting up plays, or making the smart play in high-pressure situations.

Stone has a massive impact on both ends of the rink image

Should Mark Stone Move Up on the Odds?

Mark Stone may not always be the first name that comes up when discussing the MVP, but he is undoubtedly one of the most impactful players in the league. His combination of offensive skill, defensive mastery, leadership, and consistency makes him the type of player who can carry a team to the next level. In a world where advanced stats and overall impact are becoming more highly valued, Stone’s all-around game positions him as an MVP contender who should not be overlooked.

Mark Stone is a proven winner image

If you want a player who not only puts up points but also plays the game the right way, influences the flow of every game, and leads his team to victory, look no further than Mark Stone. For those reasons, he deserves the 2025 NHL MVP award.

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