LAS VEGAS (AP) — Defending Stanley Cup champions Vegas Golden Knights is getting back some key pieces in time for the NHL playoffs, including the Chiefs marker stone and protector Alex Pietrangelo.
Stone, who suffered a torn spleen on Feb. 20 against Nashville, returned to full practice on Saturday in preparation for Game 1 of the first-round playoffs on Monday in Dallas. He skated in a red non-contact jersey.
“We'll see how he reacts in terms of his availability for Game 1,” Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said.
McCrimmon said Pietrangelo had a non-COVID illness in late March. He returned to play March 30 at Minnesota and April 2 against Vancouver, then was diagnosed with appendicitis. After undergoing an appendectomy, Pietrangelo took time off from training to undergo rehabilitation.
Additionally, Chandler Stephenson (undisclosed) and William Carrier (upper body) return to exercise. Stephenson missed the final two games of the season and Carrier did not play in the final 11 games.
Anthony Mantha (undisclosed) still wears a non-contact jersey, and Jonathan Marchessault and Ben Hutton lost their maintenance days.
“Getting back healthy is going to be one of the big keys for our team,” McCrimmon said. “We will be healthier going into the playoffs than we were before.”
