Stone returns to practice in non-contact jersey

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone is inching closer to a return.

Stone was cleared to practice Friday in a non-contact jersey for the first time since suffering a lacerated spleen Feb. 20, the team announced.

The club ruled out Stone for the remainder of the regular season but listed him as questionable for the playoffs.

The two-time Selke Trophy finalist recorded 16 goals and 37 assists in 56 games this season. He tallied 24 points in 22 playoff contests during Vegas' 2023 Stanley Cup run.

Having Stone's $9.5-million cap hit on long-term injured reserve helped the Golden Knights load up at the trade deadline by adding Noah Hanifin, Tomas Hertl, and Anthony Mantha. There's no salary cap in the postseason.