Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl practiced today in a non-contact jersey for the first time since suffering his injury against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Mar. 23.
The initial reaction and news that broke was disheartening, with some reports saying that Hertl’s chances of returning before the playoffs were slim. Twice Hertl was announced out for the remainder of the week but todays news was the first bit of positive news.
Returning in non-contact is the first step in the return process, the next step will be practicing with contact at least once. The Golden Knights are back in action on Thursday when they host the league-leading Winnipeg Jets.
The timeline following the injury has been unclear to both the fans and the organization.
“I’m sure he wants to be around his teammates,” coach Bruce Cassidy said. “He’s been putting the work in. We weren’t sure how it was going to come along, but good to see him back out there.”
Cassidy has ruled out Hertl for the next three games, but they’ll be taking it day-by-day following those games. Allowing Hertl to get some game action before the beginning of the playoffs will bode well for the 31-year-old.
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