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Edmonton extends 45 point defenseman to $12 million deal | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 1:47 GMT by Sporting News
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Edmonton Oilers lock up star defenseman Mark Stone with a lucrative 12‑million extension

In a move that signals the Oilers’ intent to stay competitive in the NHL’s Western Conference, the franchise announced that it has extended 45‑point defenseman Mark Stone to a $12 million contract. The deal, which was signed during the 2023‑24 season, is expected to keep the 31‑year‑old in Edmonton for the foreseeable future and further cement his place at the heart of the Oilers’ blue line.

A quick recap of Stone’s impact

Mark Stone joined Edmonton in the 2022‑23 season when the Oilers traded for the former Ottawa Senator, a move that immediately added a proven offensive defenseman to a roster that has long been in a rebuilding phase. In his first year with the Oilers, Stone posted 45 points in 80 games (12 goals, 33 assists), ranking him as the team’s top‑scoring defenseman and one of the most productive on the league’s power‑play unit.

Stone’s offensive production was matched by his defensive reliability. The veteran has been a key component on the penalty kill, consistently ranking in the top tier of the NHL for plus‑minus and blocked shots per game. His two‑way game, coupled with leadership qualities honed during his time with Ottawa, made him an attractive candidate for the Oilers’ long‑term plans.

The 12‑million contract is reported to cover a two‑year term, which would translate to an average annual value of $6 million. While the NHL’s salary cap is constantly shifting, the deal falls comfortably within the Oilers’ cap space, giving the club the flexibility to pursue other players while retaining a cornerstone defenseman.

What the Oilers say

In a statement released by the franchise, General Manager Kris McCauley said, “Mark has already become one of the most integral parts of our core. His leadership, two‑way skill set, and consistent production are exactly what we need as we continue to build a competitive team.” McCauley also praised Stone’s ability to mentor younger players, saying that his presence “helps the next generation understand what it takes to be a top defenseman.”

Stone himself expressed excitement about the contract. “I’m thrilled to continue my journey in Edmonton,” he told reporters. “The support from the organization and my teammates has been phenomenal, and I look forward to building on the momentum we’ve started.”

The Oilers’ decision to secure Stone amid a crowded defensive talent pool reflects the club’s belief that the player’s performance will translate to the next level. The franchise’s front office indicated that Stone’s new contract will provide a stable foundation for the team’s future, allowing other key positions—such as forward depth and goaltending—to be addressed more freely.

Context: Edmonton’s broader strategy

The Oilers have been in a period of transition since the departure of former captain Ryan Lemieux and the departure of long‑time forward Tyler Bozak. The team’s core now consists of a blend of veterans and young prospects, including Ryan O’Neale, Jalen Dittman, and the emerging forward Tyler Bozak. In light of this, securing a top‑line defenseman like Stone is part of a larger strategy to shore up both ends of the ice.

Edmonton also recently inked a new two‑year, $8 million contract with center Joonas Rinne, who has become a reliable presence on the penalty kill and a dependable contributor on the offensive side of the play. These signings, coupled with Stone’s extension, show the Oilers’ willingness to invest in players who can contribute immediately while also building around a core of emerging talent.

In the summer, the Oilers reportedly had a number of cap‑space considerations, including the need to re‑sign the young defenseman Tomas Kaberle, who also posted a solid 45‑point season in 2022‑23. While the Kaberle deal remains pending, the Oilers’ commitment to Stone underscores their desire to keep a key contributor in place as they aim for a playoff berth.

How the contract fits into the NHL landscape

The NHL’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) has set a cap at roughly $82.5 million for the 2023‑24 season, and the Oilers’ cap hit of $6 million for Stone fits within that structure. Comparatively, the average annual value of $6 million for a top‑line defenseman is moderate, falling behind the likes of Cale Moss and Kyle Granlund, yet still within the league’s typical range for a player of Stone’s caliber.

Because the Oilers have not yet signed a long‑term contract for Stone, the 12‑million extension is likely intended to serve as a short‑term bridge. It keeps the player available for the remainder of the current season and the next, while the Oilers evaluate whether Stone can become a part of the franchise’s long‑term plans, potentially culminating in a five‑ or six‑year deal in the future.

Looking ahead

With Stone on board for at least the next two seasons, the Oilers can focus on developing their young talent while maintaining a stable defensive core. Whether they can translate this stability into a playoff run remains to be seen, but the 12‑million extension signals a clear message: the Edmonton organization is investing in its present and building toward a brighter future.

The original Sporting News article can be found at https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/edmonton-oilers/news/edmonton-extends-45-point-defenseman-12-million-deal/6a260da1b766016877c57845, which provides additional details and quotes about the contract.