LAS VEGAS – Golden Knights captain Mark Stone, who was off to a great start last month before injuring his wrist, took part in the Wednesday morning skate and will play for Vegas against the Ottawa Senators.
Stone was placed on injured reserve on October 20. He had 13 points in his first six games before the injury.
“It’s good to have his energy back,” coach Bruce Cassidy said. “He’s good on the bench. He’s a leader. It’s great to have him back. He makes our team better.”
Stone is skating with the Golden Knights’ American Hockey League affiliate in Henderson.
Stone said of his comeback, “If I didn’t have that, I probably would have been watching more on Friday.” “Everything went well. I got the exercises I needed. I’m ready to go.”
When Stone was injured he was on the top line, but against the Senators he will be at center on the third line, with Mitch Marner moving to the wing.
The 22-year-old rookie will continue on the top line with Braden Bowman, Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev. Bowman has four goals and two assists in seven games.
However, Cassidy did not rule out returning Stone to the first line.
“We’re going to try to start it that way,” Cassidy said. “You can see both of them tonight.”
Stone will replace Bowman on the top power play unit, who was 9 of 24 when he was in the lineup. The Golden Knights then converted only three of their next 34 chances.
But they have experienced a resurgence with Bowman on the power play and have won 6 of 19 games in the last six games.
This is not the first time the 33-year-old Stone has been injured in recent seasons. He played in 66 games last season, his most since the 2018–19 season.
“Every injury is disappointing,” Stone said. “I don’t enjoy rehab. Unfortunately I’ve become good at it. I understand the best way to do it, but rehab is no fun. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I’m excited to get back.”
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