Las Vegas Sun

April 29, 2024

Golden Knights’ Mark Stone cleared to return to practice after lacerated spleen

Golden Knights vs Oilers

Steve Marcus

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) skates against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period of an NHL hockey game at T-Mobile Arena Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024.

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone has been cleared to return to practice on a limited basis as he recovers from a lacerated spleen, the team said Friday.

Stone was injured on Feb. 20 after a hit from the Nashville Predators’ Yakov Trenin. He was expected to participate in a non-contact jersey beginning Friday during the team’s morning skate, the team announced on X.

"It's great for him to be back. He's the captain, he's the leader of our team," coach Bruce Cassidy said.

In 56 games this season, Stone has 16 goals and 37 assists for 53 points.

Vegas, the defending Stanley Cup champion, has four games remaining this season, all at home. They'll take a three-game losing streak into Friday’s game against the Minnesota Wild.

At present, the Knights would be the second wild card in the Western Conference. They also are a point behind the Los Angeles Kings for the third spot in the Pacific Division.