"I think I had an understanding that it wasn't going to work out with Ottawa a couple of days ago," Stone said. "These guys were at the top of my list, not only for the atmosphere and the city, but for the team they're putting on the ice. I'm pretty excited."
Stone is expected to be in the lineup when the Golden Knights (32-26-5), who are third in the Pacific Division, host the Dallas Stars at T-Mobile Arena on Tuesday (10 p.m. ET; SN, ATTRM, FS-SW, NHL.TV).
His new team, 3-9-1 in its past 13 games, hopes he can provide a spark. The 26-year-old has 62 points (28 goals, 34 assists) in 59 games and has scored at least 20 goals in each season since becoming an NHL regular in 2014-15.
He said he wasn't sure who he would play with but doesn't plan to make many alterations to his game.
"I can't change too much," he said. "I want to be myself, play my game. I'm not going to come in here and try to be the guy. I want to come in here and help the team win."
Stone said he is excited about the change of scenery and to be going to a team that's in a playoff position. Ottawa (22-35-5) is last in the NHL standings.
"They do everything big here," he said. "It's an awesome place to play. They treat players first class. They make your life easy as a hockey player."
Stone, who was selected by Ottawa in the sixth round (No. 178) of the 2010 NHL Draft, said it will be an emotional experience to pull on a Golden Knights sweater after playing his entire NHL career with the Senators.
"Ottawa is the only team I've ever known," said Stone, who had 311 points (123 goals, 188 assists) in 366 games and seven seasons for the Senators. "I enjoyed my eight years since I was drafted there. They treated me so well. Yesterday was a tough day for me and family. But this team looking to win right now. I can't complain about that."
