As the regular season winds down, the Vegas Golden Knights are gearing up for the playoffs with their captain, Mark Stone, back on the ice for practice after recovering from a spleen injury.
Despite his return, Stone will take it slow, starting with non-contact drills on Friday.
However, the team faces a challenge as they navigate salary cap constraints, with no immediate room to accommodate Stone's hefty salary. Yet, with the playoffs looming, cap rules become less restrictive.
Adding to the mix, the Golden Knights recently acquired Tomas Hertl from the San Jose Sharks. While initially sidelined with an injury, Hertl has since returned to action, contributing to the team's lineup.
"Mark Stone has been cleared to practice with the team on the ice as he continues to recover from a lacerated spleen sustained on February 20.
Stone is expected to participate in a non-contact jersey beginning on Friday during the team's morning skate."
Vegas' approach to player management, particularly regarding salary cap considerations, has sparked debate among fans, raising questions about fairness and strategy heading into the postseason.