Stone expected to be ready for 2022-23 after undergoing back surgery

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone underwent successful back surgery and is expected to be fully recovered for the 2022-23 regular season, the team announced Thursday.

Stone's back injury, which has nagged him since last year's playoffs, forced him to miss 45 games across three different periods on the shelf this season. He had a 26-game stint on long-term injured reserve but returned for nine contests amid Vegas' failed playoff push.

The 30-year-old managed nine goals and 21 assists in 37 appearances during his third full campaign with the Golden Knights this season.

Vegas missed the playoffs for the first time in its existence this campaign. Changes in Sin City have already begun as head coach Peter DeBoer was recently fired.