The Golden Knights are six days from their preseason opener, but general manager Kelly McCrimmon has already handled two important pieces of business.
Vegas signed Braeden Bowman to a six-year extension Thursday. Then, two days later, the Golden Knights secured captain Mark Stone for another two seasons.
Vegas bets on Bowman
Bowman’s extension runs through the 2032-33 season with a $3.4 million average annual value.
The length stands out after just 54 NHL games. However, the 23-year-old gave Vegas plenty to work with during his rookie season.
Bowman finished with 26 points on eight goals and 18 assists. He also scored in three straight games and recorded points in five straight. Both runs tied franchise rookie records.
His production in Henderson added another layer. Bowman recorded 26 points in 20 AHL games last season and earned AHL Player of the Month honors in April.
Now, Vegas is betting that production can translate into a larger NHL role.
Stone stays in Vegas
Stone’s deal represents a different kind of commitment.
The 34-year-old captain signed a two-year extension worth $9 million annually. The deal keeps him in Vegas through the 2028-29 season.
Stone tied his career high with 73 points in 60 games last season. His 1.22 points per game also marked the best rate of his 14-year NHL career.
Meanwhile, his place in Golden Knights history is already secure.
Stone has 396 points in 400 regular-season games with Vegas. He also owns the franchise playoff records for goals with 43 and points with 84.
Two deals, two timelines
The Golden Knights did more than extend two forwards days before preseason.
Bowman’s contract represents a long-term investment in a player Vegas believes can become part of its next core. Stone’s extension keeps the first captain in franchise history at the center of the current one.
Before camp gets underway, Vegas has secured a piece of its future and one of the defining players of its present.
Up next
The Golden Knights open the preseason against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, Sept. 19 at T-Mobile Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. Pacific.
Vegas then visits the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. Pacific.
The Knights return home to face the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. Pacific. They host the Sharks on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. Pacific.
Vegas closes its September preseason schedule against Los Angeles on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at T-Mobile Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Pacific.
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Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Las Vegas Aces, Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and UNLV baseball and softball. He has 24 years of journalism experience, is also a senior reporter at Exhibit City News, and previously covered the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. Follow him on X or connect on LinkedIn.
