Vegas' Max Pacioretty activated from injured reserve

The Vegas Golden Knights are one step closer to full health. Winger Max Pacioretty has been activated from injured reserve and could return to the lineup Wednesday night against the Nashville Predators.

It goes without saying that this is a huge step for a beleaguered Golden Knights team. Pacioretty played in just two games this season before getting injured, but was arguably their best player in that time frame, notching two goals and an assist.

Pacioretty and his $7M cap hit now come off long-term injured reserve, but with Jack Eichel’s $10M still there, they won’t have any problems being cap compliant (yet).

Now, Vegas will be able to reunite what’s been their top line for the past while, as Pacioretty will be able to slot in beside Mark Stone and Chandler Stephenson. Stephenson has stepped up in a big way to help carry a shattered Knights team through a tough stretch, posting 17 points in 19 games.

Eichel and William Karlsson’s absences are now the last remaining pieces of the puzzle in what shapes up to be one of the best forward groups in the league. Their depth has done more than enough work, keeping the team afloat with an 11-8-0 record this season. With Pacioretty back in the fold, expect the Knights to take on more of their old form.