Could the Golden Knights get key players returning soon?

Vegas Golden Knights fans have seen their fair share of superstars injured over the past three seasons. That ranges from Jack Eichel suffering lower-body injuries to Mark Stone suffering a... lacerated spleen. Hockey is such a lovely sport, isn't it?

This season is no different, where players like Victor Olofsson, Nic Hague, and Stone (all from a lower-body injury) have missed time. But fear not, dear reader. There's good news regarding the three sufferers of the lower-body bug.

Hague was on the ice in a no-contact jersey for Monday's practice. Stone also skated, yet he didn't practice with the team. Fans should expect a large, pure defenseman and a multifaceted Captain to return to the team soon.

That's right, dear reader. Olofsson also skated and will head to the Henderson Silver Knights for conditioning. The Swedish forward suffered a lower-body injury in a 4-2 loss against the Washington Capitals on October 15. Hague (October 25 against the Ottawa Senators) and Stone (November 6 against the Edmonton Oilers) suffered the same injuries, leaving the team depleted.

Now? There's a realistic possibility the team could return to nearly full health. With the Golden Knights prepping for another East Coast trip starting on Wednesday, potential reinforcements could determine how many points they'll gather in five games.

Why three returning players is a big deal for the Vegas Golden Knights

Each player brings a special talent to the Vegas Golden Knights. They're great in different facets, keeping the team together as a cohesive unit. For example, Mark Stone (six goals, 15 assists) is the unequivocal leader of the Golden Knights. He's excellent in transition or on the power play, providing a spark for the team.

That's why the Winnipeg native's revered as one of the better two-way forwards in the league. He's worked well on the top line, creating countless scoring chances while on the rush. Add in good defense and the team improves from an overall perspective.

But many fans don't know what Victor Olofsson and Nicolas Hague do. So let's start with Jack Eichel's long-lost teammate. The 29-year-old has specialized as a power play winger, bringing a dangerous shot from the point. That's how he scored 37 career goals on the man advantage, after all.

Hague (6'6", 230 lbs.) is a monstrous body who strictly plays defense. With the team losing Alec Martinez during the offseason, they've looked flat in transition defense. The 25-year-old acts as the last defense, providing ample checking and defense (427 blocked shots, 503 hits during his career) to protect the goaltender.

While the power play has done well without Olofsson, it doesn't hurt to have another merchant to cover for Stone and Tomas Hertl. But the defensive side of the blue line? That's desperately needed, which is where Hague comes in.

Overall, the news is promising for Golden Knights fans who witnessed the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals dominate their team. These players were missing from action during the two contests, leaving Vegas short-handed and unable to compete. Now? They're ready to take on the world and dominate, tightening their grip on first place in the Pacific Division.