Golden Knights' Stone out indefinitely after undergoing back surgery

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone is out indefinitely after undergoing successful back surgery, the team announced Wednesday.

The 30-year-old is expected to make a full recovery. Stone hasn't played since suffering the injury on Jan. 12 against the Florida Panthers. He experienced a setback in his rehabilitation, which prompted the surgery Tuesday.

The procedure marks his second in less than a year. Stone underwent back surgery in May following an injury-plagued 2021-22 campaign in which he missed 45 games across three stretches on the sidelines.

Vegas has won only one of the eight games Stone has missed this season.

Stone ranks second on the Golden Knights with 17 goals and 38 points in 43 games while averaging 19:23 of ice time per contest this season.

The Winnipeg native has four campaigns remaining on his current deal with a $9.5-million cap hit.

The Golden Knights are third in the Pacific Division with a 29-18-4 record after missing the playoffs for the first time last season. Vegas enjoyed a hot start to the campaign but owns a dubious 2-6-2 mark in its previous 10 games.