The tale of the Golden Knights and their cap circumvention continues

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Cooper Godin
April 12, 2024 (10:55)

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Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone was placed on injured reserve in February due to a lacerated spleen, but was then shifted long-term injured reserve just before the trade deadline, allowing the team to make the big addition of Tomas Hertl from San Jose.

Stone hasn't played since February 20th against the Nashville Predators, but now, less than two months after that significant injury, he's been cleared to resume skating, albeit in a non-contact jersey.

"Mark Stone has been cleared to practice with the team on the ice as he continues to recover from a lacerated spleen sustained on February 20.

Stone is expected to participate in a non-contact jersey beginning on Friday during the team's morning skate.

#VegasBorn" The Golden Knights said in a post on X.

Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff shared his thoughts on the matter as well, starting his post on X by saying 'Huge eye roll here'.

"Huge eye roll here. I've reported all along that the lacerated spleen is a legitimate, serious injury. There's been no shenanigans.

But man, Stone coming back to practice for second year in a row one week before playoffs is some seriously fortuitous timing." Seravalli said.

A lacerated spleen is a pretty significant injury and while there's always a possibility that Stone is ahead of schedule, it's a big strange to see for a second year in a row, him being activated off LTIR just before the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

With the Stanley Cup Playoffs set to begin on April 20th and the Golden Knights likely going to face the Dallas Stars in the first round, unless they find a way to pass the Nashville Predators for the top wild card spot or Los Angeles for third in the Pacific, it'll be interesting to see if and when Mark Stone returns to the line-up. That move, if it happens, will cause a lot of uproar in the hockey community.