Pacioretty joins Vegas in bubble, probable for Game 1 vs. Blackhawks

After going 3-0-0 in round-robin play, the Vegas Golden Knights are welcoming back their top scorer.

Max Pacioretty has joined the club in the Edmonton bubble, and head coach Pete DeBoer anticipates the winger to be ready for Game 1 against the Chicago Blackhawks in the round of 16, according to The Athletic's Jesse Granger.

The 31-year-old suffered a minor injury during training camp and did not travel with the team for the beginning of Phase 4 of the league's return-to-play plan.

Pacioretty led the Golden Knights in goals (32) and points (66) while averaging 17:55 of ice time through 71 games this season.

He contributed an impressive five goals and 11 points in seven contests during his first playoff run with Vegas in 2019.