According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Vegas Golden Knights have acquired Mark Stone from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Erik Brannstrom, Oscar Lindberg and Dallas’ second round pick in the 2020 draft.
Brannstrom, Oscar Lindbergh and second for Stone
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 25, 2019
Stone was considered the top asset available at the trade deadline and is widely considered to be one of the most underrated two-way forwards in the NHL.
He has registered 62 points (28 goals and 34 assists) in 59 games this season with the Senators while maintainng a plus-13 rating, which is impressive when you consider how poorly the Senators have played this season.
For George McPhee and Kelly McCrimmon, this is a major acquisition, one they are familiar with (Stone played for McCrimmon from 2008-2012 with the Brandon Wheat Kings) and one they have coveted. Vegas’ pursuit of Stone has been well-documented, and the 26-year-old winger should fit in seamlessly with the Golden Knights.
Aside from getting Stone settled in with the team, the next step for the Golden Knights will be to get him signed a long-term extension. Luckily, it appears a contract is already in place.
Stone’s AAV on an eight-year deal with VGK is $9.5M.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 25, 2019
Do keep in mind, though, that this contract likely will not be signed until March 1.
We’ll have more details and analysis to come shortly.