William Karlsson and Raphael Lavoie returned to the Vegas Golden Knights practice today in full contact for the first time since they suffered their injuries.
Karlsson hasn’t played since Jan. 20 after sustaining a lower-body injury. It’s the second injury to keep Karlsson out of the lineup, and it’s why he’s played in just 38 games this season.
Both GM Kelly McCrimmon and HC Bruce Cassidy recently stated that the 32-year-old’s return was imminent, and today’s practice is a great sign that this proves to be true. Karlsson was a full participant, taking line rushes with Nicolas Roy and Reilly Smith, replacing Victor Olofsson in the lineup.
Karlsson’s offensive game hasn’t been as apparent as it was just a season ago but his defensive game is vital to the Golden Knights success and it’s why he’s getting back into the lineup over Olofsson.
Lines and pairs at practice:
Barbashev-Eichel-Stone
Saad-Hertl-Dorofeyev
Roy-Karlsson-Smith
Pearson-Howden-KolesarHague-Pietrangelo
Hanifin-Whitecloud
McNabb-Korczak— Danny Webster (@DannyWebster21) March 18, 2025
The Golden Knights return to action on Thursday against the Boston Bruins, and it could mark Karlsson’s return to the lineup.
Lavoie has been out of the lineup since Mar. 5, when he sustained an upper-body injury against the Toronto Maple Leafs. In nine games, Lavoie has failed to record a goal or point but has registered 16 hits and 10 shots on goal.
If the Golden Knights are healthy by the time Lavoie is available to be reinstated from the injured reserve, he and Cole Schwindt will likely be sent to the AHL to accommodate the salary cap.
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