The Vegas Golden Knights will have their captain in the lineup for game one. Mark Stone has been officially activated from long-term injured reserve and will play against the Winnipeg Jets tomorrow night. Stone told the media that he “feels really good and really confident” and is excited to return after such a long period away.
The 30-year-old winger last played on January 12, leaving the game after just four shifts as his back injury flared up. He underwent surgery a few weeks later, his second procedure in less than a year. Limited to just 43 games this season, he scored 17 goals and 38 points while still providing excellent defensive production. The Golden Knights were 28-13-2 with Stone in the lineup, and will now move into the postseason with their two-way leader back on the ice.
While there is no doubt that Stone has dealt with serious back issues the last few seasons, some will still point to the timing of his return as a problem with the league’s cap structure. The Golden Knights could not have activated him in the regular season, even if he was healthy enough to return, after using a large chunk of his LTIR relief. He can return without issue in the playoffs, with no cap ceiling, to try and help Vegas advance.
Now the question is whether he can be effective right away. Even though Winnipeg is a significant underdog, plenty of talented players could swing the series (Connor Hellebuyck, most notably). Vegas will need their best effort from puck drop, and it remains to be seen whether Stone can return to his usual level after such a long absence.
What perfect timing! I’m not sure how much they were over (I can’t figure out capfriendly that well) but $9.5 million is $9.5 million except when it’s the playoffs where it is $0!
Loopholes……Weak
The NHL definitely needs to change this major loophole. But we all know Stern nor the league will doing about this.
Who is this Stern?
It’s a miracle he has healed right on the eve of game 1. Amazing injury luck just like Kucherov in 2021
The NHL – If you’re not circumventing the cap then you’re not trying.
How are they circumventing the cap if it is an approved cap strategy?
Do you really have to ask that question? As much as it’s approved it’s still a loophole lol
I guess you can’t blame the team if it’s not outside the rules, but this is getting ridiculous, coincidences don’t happen that often. Way to go NHL….