When Will Mark Stone Return?

Vegas Golden Knights fans were treated to a pleasant surprise on Friday. News broke out that Mark Stone returned to practice in a red no-contact jersey. The captain made his return after lacerating his spleen in February.

While opposing NHL fans will scream about the LTIR situation and the Vegas Golden Knights, it also gives the Golden Knights another key forward. Finally! Their "knight in shining armor" is possibly returning for a potential playoff run.

While Mark Stone won't play in the regular season, he should get some time in the postseason. But when will the beloved forward come back for an attempt at a repeat, if possible?

1. Mapping Out Mark Stone's Return

When Shea Theodore practiced in a no-contact jersey on February 10, he returned to the ice ten days later against Nashville. Tomas Hertl had the same situation, where he returned a week after skating in a no-contact jersey.

There's a noticeable pattern in player returns, where the injured player comes back to the ice shortly after donning the red jersey. That should be no different with Mark Stone, whose return from a lacerated spleen will boost the lineup.

Therefore, if one wanted to put together a reasonable timeline for Stone's return, it would be between one to two weeks. Generally, the no-contact jersey is for getting the player's feet wet, with Stone being no different.

2. Why Mark Stone's Return is a Game-Changer

Aside from the obvious offensive attributes (16 goals, 37 assists), Mark Stone is the lifeblood of the team. He's a leader that brings out the best in his teammates physically and emotionally. Last season, fans saw this in the playoffs, with the end result being a happy ending for all.

Any time a team gets their leader back in any capacity, they get their pulse back. With Mark Stone, he brings out the best in the Vegas Golden Knights. If the Golden Knights make the playoffs, they'll get their heart and soul back as well.