Mark Stone’s career in jeopardy

Following the Florida Panthers’ loss in the Stanley Cup Final, we learned that several players were playing with injuries (as is the case with all teams that go far in the playoffs). We know that Matthew Tkachuk was playing with a fractured sternum, that Aaron Ekblad was playing with displaced shoulders, and so on.

The Knights also suffered from injuries. Mark Stone, the captain, is currently very banged up. In fact, he’s so banged up that his career may be in jeopardy.

According to Elliotte Friedman, he could miss several games over the next few years.

In the space of nine months, Stone has been under the knife twice. His back was giving him trouble, and many thought his career was about to come to an end.

Finally, he won his first career Stanley Cup and contributed to the playoffs. In 22 games, he collected 24 points, including 11 goals.

He gave his all for his team in the 2023 playoffs, but unfortunately, all indications are that he won’t be able to play at 100% capacity for a full season. The 31-year-old forward isn’t the youngest, but he’s not necessarily close to retirement (if it weren’t for injuries). Unfortunately, if his back gets worse – a bit like Joel Edmundson’s – he may have to call time on his career sooner rather than later…

That’s a shame, because 61 is still very talented and his prime is not over.

In his NHL career, Stone has never played 82 games. In fact, apart from the 2014-2015, 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 seasons when he played 80, 75 and 71 games respectively, he’s never played more than 65 games. In the last two seasons, he has played just 80 games, including 43 in 2022-2023. He produces at a rate of almost a point per game, at least.

In bursts

– Speaking of an athlete who may be nearing the end of his career.

– Well…

– We hope so.

– There are some good ones.

– Is this really a surprise?