The Golden Knights captain returns to practice in a non-contact uniform

Vegas Golden Knights forward Mark Stone returned to practice today wearing a red non-contact jersey.

The Golden Knights captain has been out since November 6, when they last played the Edmonton Oilers. The 32-year-old suffered a lower body injury on the final shift of the game while scoring the unanswered goal that sealed the 4-2 win.

His 12-game absence was clearly felt, but the Golden Knights were able to stay afloat and stay in first place in the Pacific Division. They have a two-point lead over the Los Angeles Kings.

Training in the non-contact jersey is a good sign that Stone is close to his return and HC Bruce Cassidy has confirmed this. During his post-practice media release, Cassidy confirmed that Stone will not be in the lineup for tomorrow’s game against the Oilers, but would not rule him out of Wednesday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks.

He wants Stone to participate in a physical-contact workout before inserting him back into the Golden Knights’ lineup.

Stone was on track to have a career year before suffering the injury. He had shown great chemistry with Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev and they formed one of the most dominant lines in hockey. His leadership and all-around play have been missed and whenever he is ready to get back in the lineup, the Golden Knights will feel the positive effects of his return.

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