Overview

• Mark Stone and Alex Pietrangelo return to full-contact practice ahead of the NHL playoffs, enhancing the Golden Knights' lineup.
• Stone's return from long-term injured reserve (LTIR) allows Vegas to utilize salary cap loopholes, drawing scrutiny.
• The Golden Knights secured crucial trades by placing Stone on LTIR, acquiring top players like Anthony Mantha and Tomas Hertl.
• General Manager Kelly McCrimmon emphasizes the legitimacy of Stone's injury and the NHL's oversight in LTIR decisions.
• The team's health improvements, including the return of Chandler Stephenson and William Carrier, are pivotal as playoffs begin.