This Continues To INFURIATE Much Of The Hockey World

Nhl highlights today - colorado avalanche vs vegas golden knights tomas hertl ot winner nhl playoffs 2024 is less than a week away and the nhl standings are allowing the first round matchups to begin solidifying (might make an if the stanley cup playoffs started today video), vgk aka avalanche vs golden knights highlights were pretty wild, and their cap circumvention trades and mark stone practice after injury are back in the headlines. For coverage including breakdowns recaps reactions of nhl hockey highlights 2024 , nhl news today plus plenty of playoff predictions and content on the teams in them, stick with to johnny hawkey . Las vegas golden knights ltir tomas hertl goal mark stone nhl news
#nhl #highlights #hockey

[@PassingDrill]

The biggest issue with this loophole is that it actively punishes teams for being healthy.

[@GoldenKnightsFan-dv9er]

AVALANCHE LOSE AVALANCHE LOSE AVALANCHE LOSE YES YES YES DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA COLOFRAUDO THUGALANCHE LOSE!

[@SouPNaZi316]

This!

[@SouPNaZi316]

As well as not having certain people "hurt". 9mkllion in cap is alot.... Easiest solution is a playoff salary cap...

[@ItsPandaYouTubeYT]

they live in ur head rent free huh?@@GoldenKnightsFan-dv9er

[@sparrowcd]

Injuries have been sinking rebuilding teams every season. I'm sure most GMs would prefer their players play. Vegas was decently close to losing their playoff spot this season.

[@Dingo500]

Quoting Hockey psychology. "Las Vegas injury reserves"

[@f3ar_wrld]

Ong😭

[@ghostlyliam]

yeah is such an accurate and totally not overused name

[@csharp48]

...? They don't even use "Las" in their name?

[@creep_n]

Johnny Kawkey >>> Hockey Psychology Hockey Psychology has always been a known biased channel. The Hockey Guy and Johnny Hawkey are the real OGs

[@BB-vy6ig]

@csharp48 didn't get it :/

[@akashdeephothi4137]

I respect the injury a lacerated spleen is no joke but it’s getting annoying how many times we seen this be used. It’s get frustrating as a fan of the game.

[@mikle123]

But it’s not like he is being fake hurt

[@mrfake675]

Paper cut spleen.

[@MotoFishy]

The league owners had a chance to shut this rule down years ago, but it was almost unanimously approved to remain. I think owners like the rule and the drama it brings to the game.

[@kurtwpg]

Vegas has 1.7 million in cap space. If they were sandbagging Stone, they could have activated him weeks ago. Pro-rated cap hits with double retention is the BS no one is talking about.

[@ingetout]

@@mikle123you don’t know if he’s faking it because he isn’t checked out by independent doctors. It’s pretty much cheating because it’s like a doctor prescribing TRT to a 30 years old athlete to get around a PED ban. Team doctors are financially incentivized to do what is beneficial for the team in the playoffs.

[@hockeyislife7686]

My problem with this whole situation is it punishes teams that remain healthy

[@matthewsimonds3346]

So what you are saying is your team isn’t good enough to win?

[@celticstephenhill]

And rewards teams for faking injuries. This is hockey not soccer, but the NHL is doing everything in its power to pussify the league as fast as they can.

[@stephenphillips6245]

Leafs use LTIR, but most of those injuries are actually long term and they wont be back for the playoffs. Tampa amd Vegas using LTIR to win the Stanley cup makes this league look Mickey Mouse

[@TheBenKimberlin]

So a lacerated spleen isn't long term injury. That's news to me.

[@lilkrak]

@@TheBenKimberlinNo one is denying it is not a real injury but Stone should wait till he's fully recovered before playing in playoffs. LTIR Knights are choosing when it conveniences them whether a player is injured or not. Guarantee once they get eliminated he is resting and won't be playing at the start of next season

[@kidranchan]

@@TheBenKimberlin Or if Stone is ready before the playoffs, he's ready before the playoffs, then Vegas needs to make cap adjustments now, not wait around until the playoffs. That or if there is any sort of doubt with Stone's injury in the playoffs, he should not be allowed to "gut it out" at all - if he's not good enough for a regular season game, then he's not good enough for the playoffs.

[@kamanshiu8511]

I don't know why fans get upset about this, almost every contender does it. Vegas just does it better than everybody. The Leafs have 97.5M on the books and Murray is playing, Leafs nation don't seem to have problem with that.

[@csharp48]

​​@@lilkrakJust wait long enough. You'll get plenty in this thread that think that Vegas are doctoring paperwork and stuff. It's ridiculous.

[@fakeyououtdotcom2409]

Simple fix: For the playoffs...you can only ice a team that's under the cap.

[@BryanVGK23]

The team that was iced for the Stanley cup run last season was under the cap

[@DiogenesTheCynic.]

You know that 17 teams are above the cap right? And Vegas' Stanley Cup team was compliant.

[@nicksanderson5059]

I’m pretty sure Vegas could still ice a team under the cap in the playoffs if they sit Martinez in favor of one of the cheaper defensemen

[@imcoldbore]

Vegas won the cup last season with a cap compliant team on the ice

[@irtwiaos]

​@imcoldbore Good for them. Let's make sure that go8ng forward all cup teams do it like that under the cap.

[@Skynexstar]

I don't really care about this situation at all since my team isn't a playoff contender, but I will say it is AWFULLY convenient that he will be up and ready to go by playoffs AGAIN Absolutely getting a lacerated spleen is a huge injury not denying that, but to happen when it did and for him to be ready at the same time AGAIN...... pretty convienient to say the least

[@MrPointmidget]

Thats assuming it was a real injury, and not just a work around created by a quack doctor.

[@narius_jaden215]

I mean... it'll affect you someday lol

[@penduulum]

@@MrPointmidget definitely investigated, and incredibly easy to verify via MRI.

[@Rockmonanov]

Yeah I’m sure the NHL “investigated” it “thoroughly”

[@bulletboy4111]

​@@Rockmonanov you think every other owner would be totally okay with this if they felt it was not a real injury? I bet if Canadian teams won this way the outrage would not be as vast as this.

[@BoboMcBooboy]

I just love the blatancy that they cant even wait till game 2. Its always magically in time for series 1, game 1...

[@GunGoBang]

Seems like since expansion draft, the league has gotten extra af.. The penguins might be the last team to legitimately win back to back without musings or ill advised practices..

[@Kennypowers51]

Sounds like youre mad that your GM cant put together teams like Knights do within the rules. Redirect your anger where it belongs, at your own ahitty GM haha.

[@SlXkxmx]

This is something that happens each season, by multiple teams…

[@lopoa126]

@@GunGoBang The league was really working hard for the Penguins. Not suspending Malkin after he initiated a fight at the end of game, when it was an automatic suspension...

[@GunGoBang]

@@lopoa126 you’re purposely omitting information.

[@sagynagy7322]

I still don’t understand why teams didn’t vote this out when they could’ve.. keep in mind everyone your favourite team voted for this to be legal unless your favourite team is either Tampa or Carolina. And yes Tampa voted for it to be illegal before doing it themselves .

[@slasher1087]

Because sooner or later, every team will use it. Just look at the fact that a month ago, 9 of the 16 teams in playoff spots were using LTIR. Am I to believe that Demko went down with a recovery time that take him right up to the last game of the regular season/first game of the playoffs?

[@michaeldodd6254]

@@slasher1087demko left practice limping, he started that game and got hurt, you can’t compare someone who’s limping in practice and playing where you need your legs to a player who consistently is put on ltir at the same time the past 4 years.

[@matthewsmith2237]

@@slasher1087demko went down after the trade deadline. The Canucks also didn’t even do anything at the deadline. Why use them as an example in this scenario

[@slasher1087]

@matthewsmith2237 but prove he is hurt and not just getting a rest. You have any idea how stupid your comment is considering how bad they need stone 🤣🤣

[@larrygill2223]

@@matthewsmith2237cause the last time Canucks did it they were fined (luongo recapture penalty)

[@petermandin6731]

As much as this team pisses me off and how frustrating the whole situation is, it’s still legal and ik for a fact no rules will change as long as a highly marketable team is doing well in the NHL. It’s only about money and how to get away with it imo

[@SouPNaZi316]

My issue is the Canucks were punished for the Luongo deal which was legal and had other players who signed deals before his not punished. See Hossa. Here it's the same thing imo. It's time they punish Vegas.

[@narius_jaden215]

I know it's legal, but I hate whenever people say "AS MUCH AS IT SUCKS" because it's defeatist. Let's not shrink back. Let's always rail against this bs. It'll never change otherwise. Yeah, it's unlikely to change in general but god damn it'll be easy for them to maintain it if we just give up xD

[@scottpetersonwesternhs9905]

Things will only change when viewership starts to decline because of these circumventions and the legitimacy of the league is put into question. I´m a VGK fan, so I think this is great, but I understand your point and don´t necessarily disagree with you.

[@chrisdranfield3828]

@@SouPNaZi316 Other teams were also given the same punishment if a player retired. If you want to blame anyone blame Loungo or Canucks ownership Loungo retired rather then go on LTIR which he would have been eligible for as he retired due to his injuries. Florida gave the Canucks the option to trade for him and have him go on their LTIR but they didn’t want to.

[@KennyShortStories]

‘Legal’ or not… it’s a blatant lack of integrity and class. Like getting a call your way when you know it shouldn’t have. Especially at this level, mark stone and anyone else doing this moving forward hopefully will carry that lack of integrity with them should they win it in light of this classless move.

[@alexg3911]

Honestly just make the salary cap a thing in the playoffs as well

[@DiogenesTheCynic.]

The other teams don't want it, and decided on it before Vegas was a thing.

[@lopoa126]

Exactly. Cap should be there the entire season.

[@markcapestro5390]

That's too much common sense

[@DoggosintheHouse]

Hockey fans need to remember... THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THE NHL WANTS! They want to place successful teams in large, new markets. Whether current fans think it's "fair" or not is pretty much irrelevant. If you're already paying money for tickets or merchandise or cable sports channels, the NHL does not give a rat's furry behind about you. They already have YOUR money. What they want is MORE money, and they know from experience that non-fans won't pay to see crappy, non-competitive expansion teams. If you're a fan of the NHL and you don't like seeing Vegas gaming the system, you have exactly 2 choices: 1. Stop giving money to the NHL (stop buying gear, stop attending games, stop paying for ESPN) OR 2. Suck it up, buttercup. The NHL only understands one language, and as long as you're giving them money, your opinion doesn't mean a thing.

[@RRaquello]

No one over the age of 8 should ever be able to say "It's not fair" without getting kicked in the shins.

[@ethanparker7900]

they also need to keep in mind to at least those that are whining about canadian teams not having won a title since 1993, geographical locations doesn't mean they will win, it is management of teams rosters and how they compete on the ice

[@DustOnTheGround01]

i don't give them a dime. its called streaming games on a different sight. This is mine and many other fans "loophole" of our own. I'm a lifelong hockey fan and accidentally became a big Oilers fan over the last 5 years even though I'm from Wisconsin. Anyway I don't go to any games or buy any merch, (classic jerseys from thrifting only) I don't trust Fairy Bettman and co. there's shady stuff going on and I don't want to support it directly by paying them any money. I hope more people do this too. But the league is going to shit and I;ve been watching hockey my whole life and never once have I despised a team/org as much as I do Vegas. i wish they never existed and that the league never expanded

[@davidlarry780]

They’re not getting a dime from me, the amount of advertising shoved down our throats is crazy. NASCAR Hockey League.

[@cal8362]

It’s a simple fix, the NHL needs to make teams be salary cap compliant for the playoffs too. Why does the salary cap go away during the most important time?

[@enginfc]

Or just remove LTIR entirely.

[@kidranchan]

​@@enginfc Only problem would be players that get career ending injuries and have years left on contract - injured players can't be sent down/bought out.

[@nickstellavato409]

Vegas was cap compliant for playoffs last year. Sure, they'll be over this year, but last year they were under the cap and people still almost had a stroke over it

[@VetGoalie76]

It's a problem that teams circumvent the cap by trading for players while having guys on LTIR to recover the cap hit. Tampa did it with Kucherov. It's a joke and illegal to actively cheat to win. Take away LTIR cap relief or LTIR all together. Make every team be under the cap for playoffs too.

[@domenicpolsoni8370]

OR just get rid of the salary cap.

[@omfg322]

Alot of moves for trades would have bitten other teams really hard but somehow all work out for vegas.

[@Korvolast]

As they say in Vegas: the House always wins.

[@Hekkler72]

The trades for Patches and Tatar were busts but the rest have been solid

[@anthonyteichroeb917]

its one thing where Stamkos comes back in the stanley cup final, scores a goal and is out for the remainder of series. Its another thing entirely to deliberately exploit the rules. Its bad sportsmanship

[@bustertn2014]

U mean like Tampa did with Kucherov or Chicago did with Kane as well?

[@Metallicoaster]

2:53 you can add us Panther fans too 😭😭😆😆

[@Mason-14p]

I know

[@voittolehti2432]

Tbh the way Panthers gathered playoff injuries I don't think Dallas would have been any better match up.

[@Kennypowers51]

I sat next to a panther fan at game 5. Some drunk asshole started to berate him but i told him dont worry, I got your back. I hate when assholes threaten away fans just trying to see their team. The panther fan wasnt even being loud.

[@BoboMcBooboy]

What annoys the crap out of me, is there isnt a system in place to check for LTIR abuse. Because with how many players are magically ready for game 1 series 1, why arent they ready for game 82 of the regular season, or even earlier? Oh... Its because the team used up all that cap, "making a bet" theyd be healed perfectly in time for playoffs, or *anytime after they start* - NEVER thinking about the risk "what if it heals quicker then expected?!" What if we get caught abusing the system? What if the league forces us to activate him while the cap is still relevant?! What if we're forced to make some drastic decisions a game or two before playoffs, and put somebody really important on waivers?!? Ya man... This shit really annoys the crap out of me, and its clearly starting to annoy enough gms as well, as the GM meetings revealed they're looking into dealing with this issue... Because we're getting to a point where every year, the team that can ice the most expensive team by game 1 of series 1 is almost given a pass through the first three rounds is just beyond wild...

[@BoboMcBooboy]

Some clown called my jets "frauds" earlier this year from a player on a team in the west... Honestly, this type of shit is WAY more fraudulent imo...Needing a team that's like 10 mil over reg season cap, stacked with TD talent you couldnt afford in any other scenario then "luck or otherwise" having a 10 mil player on LTIR though the reg season, using all of that cap, and then BOOM, never ready for game 82. ALWAYS game 1, series 1.

[@imcoldbore]

They literally do have a system. The NHL has their own third party physicians verify each LTIR designation. Read the CBA, it's all in there.

[@BoboMcBooboy]

@@imcoldbore verify the designation... Cool. How involved are they checking in on the recovery?! What's the protocol if they feel a player is ready to come back, but the teams doctor disagrees? Nevermind just buying off a third party doctor to say everything they checked out was on the up and up. What about a league hired physician?! Clearly, the system in place isn't working.

[@imcoldbore]

@@BoboMcBooboy again, per the CBA the league physicians check the health of all players on LTIR. And gif you’re going to become a conspiracy theorist about paid off dr’s, then there is no way to have a rational, factual conversation with you.

[@bustertn2014]

Yes there is. The NHL uses 3rd party doctors to verify EVERY injury in question on LTIR. McCrimmon explained it pretty well in a press conference which is more than Tampa or Chicago did when they used this process.

[@MrZachtheKingsfan]

I’m not upset with Vegas. They gotta do what they gotta do to win. I’m upset the league has a system like this in place, and none of the GM’s want to fix it.

[@bigprovos12]

Exactly bro… like people are getting mad at Vegas for doing this but it’s been done before and it’s allowed and it’s just good managing. Even despite this, people are probably just mad that they lost to them and a team in their first year went to a cup final and in the sixth year won a chip like your team should just beat them regardless of what the other team does lol

[@matthewsmith2237]

Same. It’s too easy to be mad at Vegas cause they’re one team. Getting mad at all the owners and GMs is more frustrating cause you know it’s never gonna change from how it is.

[@willinium23]

It’s funny how people forget that the expansion draft was a new idea but people didn’t give Vegas a chance. We got a lot of talented players that were pissed off that no one believed in them. Then October 1 happened which was the worst mass shooting and Vegas knights helped heal this town. They played pissed off hockey with a purpose. Not to mention teams who came to Vegas didn’t take them serious the first year and partied their butt off. That’s how Vegas won their way to the Stanley Cup the first year!

[@zzii0327]

The lacerated spleen supposed to be Stone on LTIR and return date would be indefinite. Now a month later he is back to practice? Like everyone said from the beginning, if he comes back for playoff, then 100% Vegas is cheating

[@Fraustyy]

it's not cheating though, every team is able to do this.

[@drchemistry9340]

@@Fraustyy no shit every team can do this but its more about is it ethical or not bruh which it obviously isnt is just ruins the entire playoffs and how fun and amazing it is to watch its makes it so unfun to watch a team just have a loaded roster and shit on everyone especially when they are so new and not every team wants to do this or really can like theres no way bettman dosent pretend to not pay attention when vegas are doing this

[@kurtwpg]

1.7m cap space. He could have come back weeks ago.

[@blastimbre]

​@drchemistry9340 If it's ethical or not is not really important. It's not against the rules and the league has not gotten rid of it when they could it.

[@GJBedrin]

I mean i imagine any sane person is going to consider faking an injury to take advantage of another rule as a form of cheating. But realistically there's just not really a rule you can put against it, since you can't punish teams for trying to find replacements for legit injuries.

[@shelroda9089]

They’re an aggressive team. Every year is a cup run. Would loved if the leafs did half of what they’ve done to get to where they’ve been. Leafs aren’t just soft on the ice, they’re soft all the way through

[@anonymous134y]

vegas has no long game only short game. They have like no 1st round picks in the next 5 years

[@tygher]

It’s easier to do with the tax breaks. They should have a sliding salary scale based on Taxes per team, providing an adjustment so that there’s true parody. The caps would be different per team or compensation would be given to players from a pool. It would make it less attractive for Las Vegas to load up on quality 3rd and 4th line players who want to play there.

[@shinyuta]

​@@anonymous134ydoesn't really matter when they have most of the pieces in their possession

[@imcoldbore]

Leafs are actually using more LTIR space than Vegas lol. So is TB

[@imcoldbore]

@@anonymous134y They don't need them apparently. Why keep a first round pick when you can get players like Eichel and Hertl?

[@pilbomags488]

Bettman made it very accomodating for them I will say.

[@EdmontonRails]

*If a Canadian team tried using the loophole to the extent Vegas has the NHL would shut it down and change the rules mid-season.*

[@bustertn2014]

We don't have alot of fear of a Canadian team winning the cup but once every 2 or 3 decades so feel free.

[@cygnusx-1862]

The NHL hates the Canadian teams because they have a smaller market and make the NHL less money so there's a "different" set of rules in place. I'm from the Chicago area and I am a Blackhawks and an avalanche fan but I would love to see a Canadian team win the cup just to run it in Bettmans face

[@namesfloop8460]

This is NOT a coincidence. That rule is corrupt. Cap should apply in the playoffs.

[@2mnxffrddfghjbbvcdfh6644bcddcv]

No this is a total coincidence. Vegas has always been known to be honest, fair and balanced. They would never tilt the scales in their favor. Not Vegas🎰🎰🎰

[@leedrives5472]

BEST COMMENT EVER ABOUT VEGAS

[@bustertn2014]

Ahh. Hilarious how it's only an issue with Vegas but was cool with Tampa when they won the Cup, or when Chicago did with Kane? Poor baby.

[@remytt4]

Vegas can kiss my ass... I already hated Tampa for abusing massively the Salary Cap in the Playoffs... But Vegas really crossed the line too far. Stone making 3 times LTIR in a row at the same period... Making block buster trades in the shadow to stack the team to the max to the playoffs... with Stone also coming back for the playoffs... That's clearly abusing. It's not illegal but so damn cheap and I hate seeing that! Either you count the Cap ALL the time or NEVER...

[@King-03530]

see it’s called a loophole for a reason cuz your 2 solutions will never ever work lol

[@neojay80]

Yep, just close the loophole, and build a team within the cap.

[@danmac9336]

First I bet you're a Toronto fan Robidas Island. 2 Unless you're a Lightning, or Blues fan Blame your teams Governors. Summer 2015 the TB Lightning proposed a salary for each playoff game it was voted down 28-2 obviously VGK and Seattle didn't exist in 2015

[@liljoe31]

Yeah i'm sure he's faking a lacerated spleen. I do it all the time w the wife

[@MikeHoncho610]

@@liljoe31no but the recovery window is a little too convenient. Especially when it happens with Stone literally every season.

[@RK-fh4bp]

I don’t deny that actual injuries are occurring…but it also seems like some tampering is going on. It feels like at this point that the team/player is pushing the return date back a few weeks or so to “fully recover”, so that it coincides with the start of the playoffs and doesn’t cause issues for the team to be cap compliant for any stretch of time as the end of the regular season. Either that, or the players are intentionally playing with some nagging injuries until they hit the point of the season where they can now go on LTIR and know that the recovery window will perfectly line up with the playoffs starting. Like if Mark stone was diagnosed with some back injury in 2023, and they know the recovery is about 8 weeks…he could just play through some discomfort until the playoffs are 8 weeks away, then go on LTIR for those 8 weeks. There’s just too many times this has happened for it to be a coincidence in my mind. There’s some type of manipulation going on.

[@penduulum]

in this case i believe its the opposite: if he comes back game 1 of the playoffs then he's likely not 100% recovered. His injury occurred 8 weeks before the playoffs and a normal recovery is 8-10 weeks, but that's for doing normal stuff, not playing a contact sport. I think the team is in a position where they will be starting on the road and can see how those first 2 games go before making a decision on him for their home games.

[@michaeldodd6254]

@@penduulumif it’s the opposite how has gabe vilardi missed less then a month with the same injury and got hurt after stone?

[@kidranchan]

@@michaeldodd6254 Vilardi's spleen was only enlarged, due to a viral/bacterial issue.

[@penduulum]

@@michaeldodd6254 different injury. enlarged spleen is not the same as a lacerated spleen FYI (pretty sure the one that comes with internal bleeding is more severe). Coincidently: both GMs lied when saying their players would be out indefinitely despite probably being provided with reliable timelines.

[@liljoe31]

Is that how it feels? Tell us more about your feelings

[@BaanthVir]

While I understand the outrage and the fact that this is not a new trend. First thing I did was check and ruptured spleen recovery time is 3 - 12 weeks and he slotted in perfectly at 7 weeks for being back on the ice. So, while it is incredibly convenient it is what it is

[@liljoe31]

Please dont bring up facts or logic. There are a lot of hockey fans who are very upset and feelings are hurt. Drama!

[@roguemarvel]

The Knights and the Sharks were talking about Hertl for months. Its possible it would have happined even if Stone was healthy. What Stones LTIR let them do was grab Mantha and Hanafin too. Also the missed the playoffs the first time Stone went on to LTIR before the play offs and he played terrible when he came back the next seasln until he got surgery again

[@DiogenesTheCynic.]

They wont listen, they are just sore losers.

[@csharp48]

GMKM said the plan to acquire Hertl was before the injury. The injury just made the money easier.

[@AlexTheOilersFan]

When it happened in 2022, we didn’t think much of it. When it happened last year, it was convenient. This year? MIGHTY convenient. Especially since lacerated spleens typically have a recovery time of 6 months. As one (Vegas) fan on Twitter said; “Gonna be much harder to defend this time around”.

[@imcoldbore]

No they don't, a lacerated spleen has a recovery time of 3 to 6 months. Not 6. 3 months would put him right in line for a playoff timeframe. Also, Yes, he has been injured 3 seasons in a row, but he has only come back for the playoffs twice after injury. He came back in the regular season in 21-22 when they missed the playoffs.

[@DustOnTheGround01]

@@imcoldbore He came back and missed the playoffs... Did they not use his cap space to get 'replacements'?

[@SinnfullDuck]

It seems like, these days, if you don't abuse the loophole then you're at a disadvantage. Someone will do it and you'll be punished. I'm not sure why they haven't fixed this rule issue yet.

[@bustertn2014]

Simple. Because both the owners and players want it like this. They all make more money.

[@AzNightmare]

*Can anyone explain the loophole with Hertl? What do you mean if he's ready for playoffs? He's already back and playing. I know he was injured at the time of the trade. But Vegas brought him back early. So does that mean he counts as part of the cap? Isn't it just Mark Stone that's circumventing the cap?*

[@Bixll09]

Gary's loophole.

[@csharp48]

Well, it is Gary's hard cap, so that would make sense it's also his loophole that ZERO owners, GMs, or, ESPECIALLY, players have any interest in closing.

[@martinbaxa330]

I think that every team should start doing this, so maybe,, just maybe NHL commitee (or idk how do you call NHL rules makers) would extend the salary cap into playoffs.

[@kurtwpg]

If you made it regular season +15% and didn't count money retained on that-season trades, a few teams would have to adjust already.

[@AlexTheOilersFan]

Nah, just have a Canadian team do it and it’ll be snuffed out instantly

[@imcoldbore]

Every team owner but 2 voted to keep the LTIR rules as they are. The owners want this, the fans are the only ones with an issue.

[@Extasei]

@@imcoldbore The fans are the one that pay the tickets....So yeah, fans of any teams that play it fair and square have reasons to be mad.

[@imcoldbore]

@@Extasei be mad all you want, but fans don’t run the league. The owners do. And people will still go to the games whether they change the rule or not. The fans have 0 power even though they seem to think they have way more.

[@BryanVGK23]

I understand some of the criticism and eyebrow raising over it. However, majority of teams besides I believe 2 or 3 voted to keep it the way it is.

[@slayerpug]

It’s a bad look when Stanley cup teams did it via cap circumvention.

[@NatsdadsamI]

Next year, Mcdavids gonna pull a hamstring 6 weeks out, we will pick up a few top players and hope for knights first round. This rule has to be amended at the very least. Can't become "part of the process" at deadline. For ALL teams.

[@alfernken]

If the Oilers sat 97 for 6 weeks they wouldn’t even make the playoffs.

[@NatsdadsamI]

@@alfernken tell that to Colorado

[@rainman8861]

As a Knights fan in Vegas, I think some of the criticism is definitely valid. The LTIR circumventing is definitely cheap, even though Stone is very much injured (he is made of glass). If they ended up changing the rule due to CHI/TBL/VGK I would more than understand. I think the Knights rep regarding how they treat their players is overblown. The Fleury deal was horrible and people are still pissed about that to this day. Other than that, it's nitpicking. Nate Schmidt was wildly overpaid and we had Petro instead. While I love Reaves, he had lost his edge and was a liability. Patches was injury prone and had a bad reputation so I definitely don't miss him. For the teams listed, I actually think they are healthy rivalries. The Oilers are easily our biggest rival now and we really hate Kane here. Will say I love the Winnipeg fan base, I've never had a bad convo with a Jets fan.

[@lordbraunschweiger7814]

Toronto is the worst abuser of the LTIR if your going to call it that. 465 man games lost to injury for the knights so far. next closest is sanjose with 400. here is the breakdown of teams over the cap on LTIR: TOR $97,645,821 $0 ( TBL $93,776,877 $0 VGK $92,261,326 $0 COL $90,957,006 $0 MTL $88,833,033 $0 VAN $86,599,159

[@thana01ich19]

​@@lordbraunschweiger7814but how many of Torontos LTIR players are playing in the playoffs?

[@NatsdadsamI]

The target on Stone's back will be bigger this year, if ge gets hurt, it's on his team for playing him, but make no mistake, many will be gunning for him and I for one, look forward to seeing it. Kane I think, would serve. Oilers vs knights 2nd round.

[@rainman8861]

@@thana01ich19 as a side note for the Knights, ours is weighed down a bit by the dead weight that is robin lehner. God that deal didn't work out

[@rainman8861]

@@NatsdadsamI you do know that Stone is not the one holding himself out right? Everyone knows that it's management, not the captain of the team. Also if you're a fan who's actually rooting for injuries, let alone to someone who has had multiple career jeopardizing ones, shame on you

[@nathanmalik7056]

The Golden Knights were the team no expected to be this successful.

[@jonahcraft7]

Honestly if their not breaking the rules so if you want to get angry be angry at the league and not the team

[@MikeHoncho610]

Cool there’s still something called integrity. And dignity. But I guess that doesn’t matter right?

[@tomcooks2562]

​@@MikeHoncho610stay mad bud.

[@pccougar895]

League sucks a$$. I expect zero ethics from a Vegas team. Another reason the professional leagues avoided Vegas for so long.

[@jc3drums916]

@@MikeHoncho610 When has another team shown the integrity/dignity not to do this when given the chance? Genuinely curious, as I don't pay much attention to this sort of thing. If you have many examples, then you have a point. If you have very few examples, this integrity you speak of is an outlier among teams. If you can't give any examples, then you're just looking for an excuse to claim VGK is being unfair.

[@poolshark121]

And the owners

[@TheBenKimberlin]

There are currently 15 teams over the cap because of LITR. All of these people complaining are just jealous that their management isn't as smart as Vegas management.

[@raymondtackett7220]

If you watch the games, Stone is regularly targeted, he is the spark plug of the team. Their record without him pushed them from the lead to the last wild card.

[@kylemayer8486]

All they need is a rule that a player returning from ir can't put the current team over the salary cap. How frigging hard is that?

[@LordTepes81]

Don't forget that they, also, didn't have to give up any players when the Kraken had their expansion draft. They were the only team exempt from giving up any players.

[@squwilliam03]

Everyone mad should be mad at their GMs. Vote went up after 2015 to fix it and everyone except the Blues and Lightning thought it was fine. Don’t be mad your team’s GM isn’t using a legal loophole. Sincerely, A diehard Lightning fan.

[@louiscypher4186]

Why would any sane person be mad at all. You realise this is all a conspiracy theory right? The NHL independently verifies anyone going on the LTIR. This little theory that is floating around requires the players, the GK organisation, the squad's doctors, NHL's doctors and the NHL itself all in on it.

[@jamesj6597]

The league just needs to change the rules to have the salary cap remain in effect in the playoffs as well as the regular season. Problem solved.

[@merksmovies25]

Wont happen because it will prevent the star players from playing in the playoffs if they get injured before the trade deadline.

[@DustOnTheGround01]

@@merksmovies25 too bad? Don't be made of glass and like 45 years old

[@merksmovies25]

@@DustOnTheGround01 lol good thing what you want wont ever happen for that exact reason alone. Nhl aint gonna have their star players be out during the playoffs if they’re healthy

[@jesscastaneda2006]

You mean the Vegas Bettman’s because he’s the one who needed a successful expansion after flops like Atlanta plus the relocation of Arizona and with the added Betting elements I would not be surprised if games were fixed

[@kftc1980]

Gamesmanship has always been a part of the game on the ice. Fans understand this. In the cap era, it is also a part of the game off the ice. For whatever reason, many do not understand this.

[@MrJayehawk]

The Fleury debacle alone was enough to show me this is a classless organization.

[@kevinalexander6812]

They were pretty fucking classless well before that. Don't forget, there was SERIOUS Talk of having a parade down LV Blvd when they LOST the Stanley Cup in 2018. I know I was living there at the time. Someone talked them out of it, but the fact that it was even slightly considered just speaks to the arrogance, stupidity and overall classlessness of the entire organization. Fuck the golden showers.

[@laughingbeast4481]

​​@@kevinalexander6812That's hardly classless. It's awesome if even defeated team can enjoy their success. Coz in the league of 32 teams, final IS huge success. It reminds me when Czech soccer team lost EURO final to Germans and were welcomed as heroes with full square of happy people. And German journalists praised them as fantastic losers that love their team despite loss and know how hard and special it was to be even the runner up.

[@nicksanderson5059]

Fleury had to go, and with the benefit of hindsight it was absolutely the best decision to make

[@tjpboy19]

@@kevinalexander6812 man really just copy pasted his dumbass comment into this thread. We get it, you're jealous. Cry about it

[@predat0r178]

@@nicksanderson5059they should have at least advised him he learned that he was traded on twitter that’s the worst way to know you’re not part of a team anymore

[@glennwashington2186]

All these people saying his injury and the timing is authentic is repulsive. He’s injured the same time of year three seasons in a row and people say it’s authentic? Get a grip. It’s cheating.

[@HPxG323]

You need to get a grip if you think that doctors are faking diagnoses in the NHL. I would imagine it is illegal for a doctor to give a fake diagnosis, no doctor is going to risk losing license and potentially going to jail for an NHL team to get a little edge in the playoffs.

[@JDnumero1]

right. Once is whatever. 3 times? Ridiculous.

[@HPxG323]

You should get a grip if you think doctors are faking diagnoses and taking the risk of losing license and going to jail for an NHL team to get a little edge in the playoffs.

[@imcoldbore]

The NHL has physicians verify any LTIR designation. So no, it isn't cheating if it within the rules and verified by third party NHL physicians as legitimate.

[@pccougar895]

@@imcoldborePhysicians were probably paid off. It's happened before. All according to Gary's plan.

[@troygeiges]

Vegas !! Stone healing was excellent. This a very good team😎

[@agentshadow7456]

They are my third favourite team with Carolina and Jets coming ahead of them. Even though I don't lie that Jets could legitimately play Vegas if they beat the Avs which they proved the can. I do like Vegas. Their GM is incredibly smart, their roster has pure passion and they have incredible skill when they are healthy and playing well. Getting Hanifin, Mantha and Hertl was huge but a bit sad at how Mantha hasn't shown extreme skill with the team but hopefully he can heat up a bit and help the team out a ton more. Some people will say this roster is worse than last year but I can argue that. Yeah they lost Kessel and Smith which has extreme offense as Kessel in his prime was a goal scorer and Reilly Smith is a goal scorer as well but got more assists on average with Vegas. But I think Hanifin, Mantha and Hertl beat that. First off they got a wing while both Kessel and Smith were wings (I know Smith not 100% on Phil Kessel) they got a wing, a VERY good center and a very good two way defensemen in Hanifin. Overall I think that is better but may just be me.

[@SalociNn19]

Not a Vegas fan, but it's their job to give themselves the best chances to win under the rules. Problem is the fact that the league is giving the possibility to ice a team over the cap when it actually matter if they have been "fortunate" enough to have injuries at the right time.

[@user-pg5sz2vn1w]

if the avs wanted to win they shouldn't have played like shit for half the game. that has nothing to do with ltir. they thought they could just coast and defend the lead after going up 3 and that's just not how it works. also maybe toews should try playing some actual defense and tie up his man so he can't just sit there and tip the puck for the gwg...

[@Evan-C]

What's your explanation for Vegas getting spanked by Arizona?

[@user-pg5sz2vn1w]

@@Evan-C i didnt watch that game so i dont have one. most likely vegas was coasting and and ariziona wasn't.

[@mattcampbell7054]

None of the owners voted against the rule. It’s a part of the game at this point

[@jamaldee2355]

Thank you!!!! Basically took the words right out of my mouth Johnny

[@eliaminator2313]

I don't like Vegas like most people but I'm sorry if your GM isn't taking advantage of the LTIR cap circumvention then he's not doing his job. Every team has players that you could use to circumvent the cap for some reason a lot of teams don't. So these fans should be more upset at their own team for not cheating the system the way Vegas does cause at the end of the day a fanbase that wins the cup doesn't care about hoe other fanbases feel about their organization and they will be remembered for winning the cup not cheating the system

[@dudelove69]

No dummy,, teams cant use it unlesss they have legit injuries or cheat and fake injuries that line up with playoffs starting

[@ElDonGato69]

Easy to say when your team hasn’t even sniffed the playoffs in 7 years.

[@dudelove69]

No. Everyone with a memory will remember that tampa, then Vegas abused the ltir to win them cups, Vegas trying again for a second time... most of us will never forget having to cheat to win

[@eliaminator2313]

@ElDonGato69 that's sad cause I could circumvent the cap better than whatever team you cheer fors GM it's really not hard. Anyone can do it quite simply so like I stated if your GM isn't theyre not doing their job correctly

[@BrockVillain]

Don't hate the players, hate the game....and Bettman, haaaaaaate Bettman.

[@thesteve4235]

As an Ottawa fan why is anyone complaining? Every other team can do it too. Be mad at your own team for not being smart enough to use all the rules.

[@rockemil1]

I despise Vegas as much as the next guy, but the silver lining here is their team will and is aging FAST. They have just one former 1st round pick prospect, after trading Edstrom to San Jose in their system and have traded a lot of their better upcoming picks away for win-now veterans too. These trades and success will eventually catch up with them soon and will hit them like a truck.

[@aaronsmith1474]

this is not going away and farming content from it is super cringe

[@hectorcruces9015]

If what Vegas is doing is so simple then why aren't other teams doing the same? All teams have access to the salary cap rule book.

[@liljoe31]

Because they arent good enough

[@felafnirelek8987]

as an avs fan, we choked and we choked hard. Scheduling definitely didn't help(back to back road games suck) but we could've done better

[@briankeeley6464]

Can't fault a team for playing within the rules. In fact, Kudos to them for doing it. Like most NHL issues (ex. officiating) the fault is with the league and the way they overlook problems as long as they can, especially when it interferes with making more money.

[@kevinalexander6812]

It should infuriate the Hockey world. Don't forget, there was SERIOUS Talk of having a parade down LV Blvd after they LOST the Stanley Cup in 2018. I know, I was living there at the time. Eventually someone talked them out of it, but the fact that it was even slightly considered just speaks to the arrogance, stupidity and overall classlessness of the entire organization. Not to mention the way they did Marc-Andre Fleury dirty. Just inexcusable. Fuck the golden showers.

[@BryanVGK23]

The county wanted to do that, as a thank you for the community support that year. The team said no, rightfully so. Entitled to your opinion of the team of course but they never planned nor considered that at all.

[@07foxmulder]

I’m sure they’ll be devastated to read that.

[@imcoldbore]

LOL you take a sport way too personally

[@imcoldbore]

Also, it wasn't the team's idea for the parade, it was the county. The team stopped it and said they would not participate.

[@NewEraReptiles44]

Hertl wasnt even available 😂 and had a full no move clause but VGK management is best and made it happen #goknightsgo

[@avdmustang]

Yes I remember TB doing this with Kucherov, keeping him on LTIR for many months.

[@interestedmeow]

I mean, fairly simple solution. If Mark Stone is such a paper tiger, should be pretty simple to spend your first game just laying dumpster hits on him all night until he bleeds and then he can sit for the rest of the series right? In a 7 game series against a bunch of cheaters, I’d say that’s worth it right?

[@imcoldbore]

it's not cheating if it's with the rules. Plain and simple.

[@justinblack5474]

Did you see the playoffs last year? Every game of every series the opposing teams were cross checking stones back HARD over and over.

[@fishinfrenzy2544]

Lol how’d that workout last year… exactly what teams tried to do and stone took it and still put up points

[@rogiemac]

@@fishinfrenzy2544 then maybe he wasnt hurt to begin with?

[@justinblack5474]

@@rogiemac if you watch clips from that time you can see stone wincing in pain from his back and he was noticeably so slow compared to his play before the back injury. His game IQ is so strong that he’s still extremely effective without needing to skate fast and hard. Dude had 2 major back surgeries in 2 years. You don’t just do that if you’re not hurt. As a VGK fan, the management has done some cutthroat things to win which I don’t always agree with but Like someone above said..not breaking any rules. VGK aren’t even the worst perpetrators of teams being over the cap

[@FalloutUrMum]

I used to love the Golden Knights, I default like teams unless the city they're in sucks. But the Golden Knights pattern of shipping off players, abusing IR, and the way they've behaved on the ice have made me dislike them. One of the few teams I like the fanbase but not the team.

[@feliksdombrosky3942]

What do you mean by "the way they've behaved on the ice"? IIRC they're one of the least penalized teams in the league.

[@chrismdb5686]

​@@feliksdombrosky3942Trying to chop off Draisaitl's hand because you think there should have been a penalty is one easy one to remember.

[@predat0r178]

Don’t forget during 2020 players being unlikable pieces of shit

[@DiogenesTheCynic.]

@@chrismdb5686 Oilers deserve every hit they get lmao

[@dannypike8648]

Until the league or the other GMs take action, what they're doing is completely legal. It really doesn't make much sense that the salary cap only matters for the regular season, kinda defeats the purpose of the cap providing an even playing ground when it doesn't apply to the most important part of the season. It'd be an easy enough fix to have the team you dress in the playoffs have to be cap compliant, but from the sound of things the other teams aren't eager to make that a rule. I guess in the off-chance they can circumvent the cap in the playoffs themselves one year. Sucks as a fan(unless your team is doing it), but doesn't seem likely that it's going to change any time soon. Maybe if Vegas wins again this year some of the other GMs might change their minds and push for some change.

[@ReallyBigDuck]

Everyone that brings up how its convenient they are healthy for the playoffs but not the regular season. I really don't think its because theyre being stopped from coming back, more that they are coming back early and arent fully healed. Kucherov looked slow when he came back. Like we know players play injured all the time, it really feels more likely this is the case, rather than players not being allowed to play while healthy.

[@user-pg5sz2vn1w]

i always like to take moments like these and remind people that the avs went 16-4, tied for the best playoffs record ever, without abusing ltir or even going over the cap at all... truly the best team.

[@BoboMcBooboy]

How about them Jets eh!? 😜 7-0... Oh how the narrative that this series would be a cakewalk for the Avs has changed in a single game...

[@BoboMcBooboy]

Especially after blowing a 3-0 lead to Vegas Sunday. I won't disrespect the Avs. They're proven... But man what a time to start having wheels and bolts shake off your ride...

[@bandelay2134]

Weren't the Avs were over the cap when Landeskog came back for the playoffs?

[@user-pg5sz2vn1w]

@@bandelay2134 nope, he played through his injury that season and playoffs and then has been out ever since. i think he was out for a bit and there was rumor the avs were gonna get grioux but that never ended up happening. he came back before the playoffs.

[@user-pg5sz2vn1w]

@@BoboMcBooboy yeah the jets have had their number this year. im not super confident going into that series. you never know though.

[@landons2624]

Lightning with Kucherov started all this . Now Vegas is just abusing it 😒

[@Bfrd25]

Chicago started it actually, and Tampa complained about it. When it didn't get fixed they just did it themselves.

[@brianschryver8314]

I think the part that makes this supposed cheat frustrating, is that in the regular season teams would be putting guys on waivers to call these guys back, and therefore be risking contracted players who hold value, as well as risking paying for part of waved players should someone else claim them, with a retained salary that would go against the cap. Come play off time, you can just sit folks out without any repercussions. In the regular season, those sitting would still be considered against the cap until they get waived to the minors. It does build an odd loophole.

[@noeybalbonzers9755]

Just in time..... again. This is getting ridiculous.

[@Cal94]

As a torontonian, good for vegas. and everyone else, (leafs included), get good or fold. Ppl be using the cap as an excuse for a severe lack of imagination and i got no time for that crap.

[@DiogenesTheCynic.]

Amen.

[@JustAnotherDayInVegas]

I love how tough hockey players are but how weak their fanbases act. Bring the hate, we don't care! GO KNIGHTS GO!!

[@arkwill14]

Stone returned to practice eight days before the playoffs, exactly the same number as last year. I guess they figured out exactly how much time it takes to get back in playoff condition and planned it out for this year. That said, it's not against the rules -- but don't be mad if everyone knows _exactly_ what you're doing (again) and think it's lame. Shame the NHL doesn't see it that way as well.

[@user-bu2rx6qi9t]

They don't see it that way because every other team can do the same thing. Some organizations are just smarter and clever then others.

[@arkwill14]

@@user-bu2rx6qi9t Just because you _can_ do something doesn't make it something to be proud of. That line of thinking just makes the sport worse. Since apparently one or two teams have no sense of self-shame in employing this tactic it's too bad there is even a need for the NHL to step in -- and even worse that they chose not to.

[@MikeHoncho610]

@@arkwill14don’t even bother. The idea of ethics is completely lost on that trash fan base.

[@8-bitbenzu529]

I think the expansion draft format is great and allows new teams to be able to compete right off the bat BUT the LTIR loophole needs to be closed ASAP

[@cali-ams]

I want the contact details of Stones doctor, seems he could write a compelling sick note to my boss.

[@almuthebebrand7487]

😂😂😂

[@diffizzle8630]

😂😂😂😂

[@atpyro7920]

honestly, great. I’d rather a team I cheer for be considered villains because they’re too good than for other, less savory reasons. Like others have said, if your team’s GM ain’t playing the salary cap like Vegas (and Tampa) has then they are objectively not doing their job. The fault for that lies with the NHL and will until they decide to do something about it.

[@kevinalexander6812]

So clearly you know it's unscrupulous. Fuck the golden showers

[@ghostlyliam]

@@kevinalexander6812 womp womp go cry me a river

[@manofx5824]

At the end of the day this is a NHL problem, not a Vegas problem. That being said, if Mark Stone is playing day one in the playoffs, whichever team is playing them should make that the hardest game he's ever played. IMO, they should suspend the cap 2 weeks before the trade deadline so every team can do what they want for their respective playoff pushes. You would still have to be cap compliant at the beginning of the next season, but healthy teams wouldn't repeatedly get punished by this BS.

[@austinlindsay7854]

The fix to this is having a minimum games played threshold for players during the regular season. If you don't play in at least 70 games you are not eligible for the playoff roster.

[@user-sh5ym4bg6i]

As a native Las Vegan for over 40 years.......I really am enjoying all the salty whining and crying from all these other teams and fans..... It sustains me...🤣

[@Sam-eg8lg]

Two things that get missed in the Vegas discussion: 1. The revisionist history of the expansion draft. Yes the NHL allowed them to draft at a competitive level, but every pundit thought they were going to be garbage that first season. Many people felt they squandered their picks and no one thought that Smith, Marcheassault, Karlson, or Peron would be anything more than ok. B. No one recognizes how ruthless (in a good way) Vegas management has been. They execute cap gymnastics and roster management better than anyone. They’re willing to unload a great player/coach if it’s a net positive. The timing of all the LTIR stuff comes from a management point. Look at Stone and Eichel injuries last year. Many teams are willing to let guys play through that but Vegas’s management has them get surgery/rehab on a schedule that frees up cap space and makes them available for the playoffs.

[@DanielGomez-io5bx]

The salary cap is apparently flexible when comes to big money owners. Why have a cap if it is not enforced, especially during the playoffs?

[@pkzammy666]

Simple fix. Playoffs are cap restricted just like the Playoffs. This system is so dumb and punishes healthy teams so hard, and rewards teams that have elite players that are made of glass mid season. Some how then come back early in the playoffs 110%. I really can't wait for Mark Stone to go on LTIR next year in Feb/March with another long term injury. Only to come back for game 1.

[@guins99]

The league handed them a playoff team right out of the gate. They never had to pay their dues.

[@King-03530]

to be fair to vegas people are blowing this out of proportion. I understand the frustration but vegas is not the first time to do this and you can’t get mad at an expansion draft when that blame should fall under the commissioner for the way he set it up. Teams have done it in the past and will continue to do it, only reason people are getting mad at vegas is because boston has stopped being the bad guy and they are nitpicking someone else instead of them (not a vegas fan)

[@rileysevern1968]

You didn’t even mention the main reason people are mad. How are you going to have Mark Stone get injured and then magically be healed before the playoffs 3 YEARS IN A ROW. Abusing the salary cap is the cheapest way to win and teams who do should have an asterisk beside their wins

[@predat0r178]

@@rileysevern1968yeah as much as i hated tampa for doing it in 2021 at least they didn’t use kucherov and stamkos every year for the ltir (as far as i’m aware)

[@King-03530]

@@rileysevern1968 if someone can prove he’s not actually injured then that’s cheating. As far as everyone knows he’s actually injured so that kinda what it’s there for

[@rileysevern1968]

@@King-03530 well it’s happened 3 years in a row at the exact same time and all three years he’s been fine by the playoffs. That’s not a coincidence

[@DiogenesTheCynic.]

@@predat0r178 maybe stop taking cheap shots at Mark Stone's back and laughing about it? Then you won't have to complain about VGK LTIR trade deadline money every year.

[@Fraustyy]

I'm sorry, but the entire league had a chance to end this. Tampa brought it to everyone's attention before they even started doing it, then after they won the Cup with this method Vegas caught on. Tampa was the ONLY team in the NHL that voted to close the loophole.

[@Lakingsfan140]

Why is Vegas the only one who gets to draft like that?

[@user-bu2rx6qi9t]

I'm sorry but does the rest of the league not have the same opportunity to do the same. Don't hate on Vegas because your butt hurt that you're organization fails you as a long suffering fan to use every means legally available to them in always go hard for the cup. So tired of this ongoing nonsense . I never posted a comment on this subject, but it's getting old. Thanks for your content bro.

[@Kayametra]

The problem is most teams don’t have a player with a high salary cap or high prominence that’s on LTIR that have the ability to come back in the playoffs. Toronto has a couple, but they are legitimately out for the season, including the playoffs. Most teams are actually healthy going in, so they actually can’t use the loophole, therefore making the playing field unfair. The closest you can maybe make an argument is the Rangers with Chytil, but he has a very low chance of making it back, at any point, and has nowhere near the level of team-changing identity that Stone has.

[@SaveznaRepublikaJugoslavija]

Isaw this coming, typical vegas

[@TaketheL-qr9kw]

Complete joke of a rule, when a player comes off of LTIR they should be forced to be cap compliant- if that means making other players inactive so be it. Like how can other teams compete when you have guys like Kucherov (in TBays case) the best player in the league at that time not even counting toward your cap…like what???

[@helloimjustb]

3rd time 🙄 sure.. that he got injured cause he ain't no spring chicken. He came back before the playoffs and they missed them! Last year was the first and only time so far that everything just fell into place. It's not even guaranteed yet when he would come back. They have to get him practicing now if he is to come back for the playoffs. It doesn't mean game 1 until we see it happen. Stone is determined AF though.

[@Dracoool]

Vegas was gifted their Cup by refs and Betteman.

[@slasher1087]

I can't imagine having a front office so inept that they don't do everything it takes to win.

[@gustavofernandez5419]

I don’t understand the whole cap thing when other teams do it too. Knights started the season great and then went thru a roller coaster. The players they acquired are not super star players , they picked players they knew it would work with the team but being a gamble. As a franchise they have changed the game, you can’t win a Stanley cup with an old mentality. Vegas gets so many people that travel to just see a game even if it’s not their team because how the energy is here. I understand some teams never won a Stanley cup but who’s fault is that ? Can’t blame and judge the Knights on them not winning and more shameful being more experienced on the game

[@DustOnTheGround01]

'here'? Ew you live in that cesspool? wow man

[@saschaganser9671]

Why have a salary cap, if the way to win seems to cheat around the salary cup? 2 things are sure. Some Vegas player is injured early March for LTRI and back for the playoffs. The other one is that the Leafs won`t win again this season.

[@NatsdadsamI]

I look forward to watching stone get HAMMERED this playoff season. No more "feeling bad" for Stone and the amount of hits he takes, they're cheating, they know it, we know it, but but face Bettman won't change it. I would LOVE to see someone like Desharnais PIN STONE to the boards, and watch him crumble. Not to permanently damage the man, bit to end his playoffs.

[@41Nizmo]

that and Pietrangelo I want to see him get his for that shitty 2 handed slash on Leon last year.