Mark Stone’s One-Year Deal Signals The End Of His Time With Senators [Opinion]

With news of Mark Stone signing a one-year contract just prior to his arbitration hearing, this new deal should signal the beginning of the end of his time in Ottawa and as a Senator.

Neither the Ottawa Senators nor Stone really wanted to go through the arbitration process set for Friday in Toronto. Nobody really ever does. Arbitration is one side (the player) trying to argue that they're worth what they're asking for while the other side (the team) argues why they're not. Inevitably, someone's feelings tend to get hurt. In the case of Mark Stone, perhaps it doesn't matter. That the two sides couldn't find common ground on a long-term deal likely means Stone will be leaving Ottawa somewhere inside of a year's time.

This new deal will pay Stone $7.35 million for this upcoming season. It's right on par with what an arbitrator likely would have awarded. But, the real question is, does Ottawa see this is a good deal? And, is Stone prepared to re-enter negotiations after Ottawa failed to show him love this time around?

Stone, 26, played 58 games for the Senators last season registered 20 goals and 62 points. At a point-per-game pace, he was easily the Senators best offensive weapon. That alone might have consituted something close to what he signed for. But, his real value comes in the fact that he can combine said offense with incredible two-way play, often stealing the puck and playing uniquely capable defense for a forward.

Yet, for some reason, the Senators never sounded like they were truly looking to secure Stone long term.

A rebuilding team with three of their top talents heading for free agency in the summer of 2019, this deal screams Ottawa getting ready to make Stone trade bait at the deadline this season. Stone, Erik Karlsson and Matt Duchene all have just a single season remaining on their deals and while none have come out publicly to suggest their desire to leave the Senators, none of them have openly suggested they are eager to stick it out in Ottawa either.

In Stone's case, this was Ottawa's chance to make him an offer that could keep him happy over the next six or seven seasons. They chose not to do so. In Ottawa, as the ship appears to be sinking, this was a great opportunity to do something right. In one move, they could reward a player, motivate the fanbase and send a message to the team that the franchise isn't throwing in the towel. Ottawa did none of that.

If, and more likely, when, Duchene and Karlsson leave, what will keep Stone interested in staying a Senator? If he is aware money can be made elsewhere and the Senators franchise is clearly rebuilding with no onus on spending the money it takes to make the team competitive the answer is, nothing.

The Senators will have a two-month window to sign Stone at the beginning of 2019 before facing the trade deadline. With a strong season, likely because he's a talented player and because Ottawa will have no choice but to play him a lot, his numbers will likely increase if he stays healthy. That will make him extremely attractive as a rental player for a contending team stacking up for a playoff run. The combination of the Senators unwillingness to pay big money to its players and what will likely be offered for Stone should be too much for Ottawa to overlook.

Finally, we can't forget the Senators chose not to sign Stone to a long-term deal while he was still a restricted free agent. This will cost the Senators if they try to do so next summer. Stone will be able to choose where he wants to go and the Senators can't stop him. That control now had by the player makes a new deal incredibly pricey, especially as the salary cap continues to rise.

A good season by Stone will undoubtedly take Ottawa right out of the running. After all, this is the same team that refused to front-load Karlsson's deal because they could't afford the signing bonuses. Why would anyone expect things to go any differently in Stone's case?

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