Golden Knights' Stone to return for Game 1 vs. Jets

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone was activated from long-term injured reserve and will be in the lineup for Game 1 on Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets, the team announced Monday.

Stone's last game was Jan. 12. He was shut down indefinitely in February after undergoing back surgery - his second procedure in less than a year.

"I don't want to miss this. I want to play with these guys," Stone said.

Before his regular season ended prematurely, Stone registered 38 points in 43 games while averaging over 19 minutes per night. The Golden Knights hardly missed a beat without their star winger, finishing the year atop the Western Conference with 111 points. Vegas is back in the playoffs after missing the cut for the first time in franchise history in 2021-22.

Stone's collected 50 points in 73 career playoff games. Vegas has reached the third round twice since acquiring Stone from the Ottawa Senators in in 2018-19.

Game 1 goes Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. ET.

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