Vegas Golden Knights forwards William Karlsson and Cole Schwindt returned to practice today in red, non-contact jerseys.
Karlsson hasn’t played since Jan. 20 against the St. Louis Blues after we suffered a lower-body injury. Shortly after he was labeled as week-to-week and placed on the injured reserve, before he was shifted to the long-term injured reserve.
The most recent injury was the second injury stint that the 32-year-old has dealt with this season. He missed an extended period of time at the start of the 2024-25 campaign and because of these injuries, he’s played in just 38 games, scoring seven goals and 18 points.
His production is down from a year ago but his impact defensively has been just as apparent.
Schwindt last played on Jan. 18 against the Chicago Blackhawks and he too has been on the IR with a lower-body injury.
The Golden Knights acquired the 23-year-old off of waivers prior to the start of the season and he’s been a solid addition to the fourth line. Skating in 38 games, Schwindt has gained the trust of HC Bruce Cassidy despite averaging less than 10 minutes of ice time a night and registering no goals and seven assists.
He plays with a bit of physicality and isn’t afraid to shoot the puck but most importantly, he’s continued to improve his defensive game.
The returns of both forwards will have to wait as they both need at least one practice with contact before returning to the lineup, but it’s a positive sign. They are in the midst of a tight race for the Pacific Division and they’re beginning to gear up for the playoffs and need all the depth they can get.
When they return, Karlsson will likely step into the lineup in place of Raphael Lavoie, but what happens with Schwindt is up for questions.
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