Michael Stone

History

2007-08: Michael Stone played his second straight season with the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL. Collected 35 points, (10 goals, 25 assists) in 71 games played, all career highs in the WHL. Earned the reputation for being a consistent, smart, and unruffled rearguard.

2008-09: In his third season with the Calgary Hitmen (WHL), Stone almost doubled his career high in points, scoring 19 goals and 42 assist on the way to 61 points. He also improved his plus/minus dramatically, posting a +43 in 69 games. In the playoffs, Stone picked up 13 points in 18 games.

2009-10: Stone continued his torrid pace in his fourth season with the Calgary Hitmen (WHL). In 69 games the defender tallied 65 points. His plus/minus took a hit, dropping to a +4, but Stone set career highs in goals, with 21, and assists, with 44. Stone added 20 points in 25 playoff games. He signed an entry-level contract with the Phoenix Coyotes (NHL) and is expected to turn pro in 2010-2011, playing with the San Antonio Rampage (AHL).

2010-11: Stone skated in 70 of 80 games for the AHL's San Antonio Rampage in his first pro season. One of three rookie defensemen to play a significant role for the Rampage, he was -5 with 2 goals and 11 assists and had 27 PMs. The Rampage finished four points out of a playoff spot in the AHL's competitive West Division.

2011-12: Stone made his NHL debut in February 2012, appearing in 12 regular season games and two playoff contests with the Coyotes after being re-called from AHL Portland. He scored 1 goal with 2 assists and was plus-seven with 2 penalty minutes' averaging just under 14 minutes of ice time during the regular season. Both of his playoff appearances came during the Coyotes second round series with Los Angeles; he was minus-two with no points or penalty minutes, averaging 11 minutes of ice time against the Kings. In 51 games with the AHL's Pirates he scored 9 goals with 13 assists and was plus-two with 24 penalty minutes. Portland finished third in the Atlantic Division; missing the playoffs by two points.

2012-13: Stone appeared in 40 games with Phoenix in his third pro season and skated for the Coyotes' AHL affiliate in Portland. He scored 5 goals with 4 assists and was +2 with 16 penalty minutes; averaging 16:45 minutes of ice time with Phoenix. Stone played 36 AHL regular season games, scoring 6 goals with 22 assists, and was +8 with 20 penalty minutes. The Pirates finished second in the Atlantic Division and were swept by Eastern Conference champion Syracuse in the first round. Stone played in the final game of the series and was -1 with 1 assist and 4 penalty minutes in Portland's second 4-3 overtime loss against the Crunch. He signed a three-year contract with the Coyotes as a restricted free agent in July, 2013.

Talent Analysis

A smart two-way defender with good size and reach, Stone is a composed player at both ends of the rink. He is a strong puck-mover who makes a crisp first pass and can move the puck smartly and quickly up the ice. Keeps it simple in his own end relying on good positional and stick play.

Future

Stone played almost a full season with Phoenix in 2012-13, and moving forward he should be considered a lock for at least a seventh or eighth defenseman spot in the NHL.