"Serious integrity issue": Frank Seravalli expresses major concern after Mark Stone's return from LTIR for Game 1 of playoffs

Frank Seravalli's recent comments on Mark Stone's return from LTIR just in time for the beginning of the 2024 NHL playoffs have sparked discussions about competitive integrity within the league. Seravalli expressed his concerns on the Pat McAfee show, saying:

"I think the NHL... they've got a serious competitive integrity issue with Mark Stone coming back to play."

Seravalli's comment reflects the frustration of fans of opposing teams, who see Stone's return as a strategic move rather than a genuine recovery. He raised questions about the timing of Stone's return, suggesting that if Stone is healthy enough to play now, he should have been available for the last few regular-season games.

This discrepancy in timing, according to Seravalli, hints at a manipulation of the LTIR system to gain a competitive advantage.

"I understand whatever the imaging might say," he said. "If Mark Stone is healthy enough to play tonight, he was healthy enough to play last week in the last couple regular season games, which would have been impossible because they couldn't be cap compliant. They had no ability to activate him, and at least game one to start. It sort of feels like Vegas is rubbing everyone's nose in it."

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Mark Stone and the Vegas Golden Knights' history with LTIR

This is not the first time the Vegas Golden Knights have faced scrutiny regarding their use of LTIR. Stone's recent return marks the fourth instance since his trade to the Golden Knights in 2019 where he was placed on LTIR shortly before the trade deadline, only to return in time for the playoffs. The pattern is undeniable:

• In 2022, Mark Stone was placed on LTIR on February 14 and activated on April 12.
• In 2023, he was placed on LTIR on February 20 and activated on April 20.
• And now in 2024, he was placed on LTIR on March 4 and returned for the playoffs.

Critics argue that the Golden Knights have mastered the art of leveraging the LTIR rules to their advantage. By placing key players like Stone on LTIR, they freed up cap space to make significant roster additions, as evidenced by their acquisitions of Tomas Hertl, Noah Hanifin, and Anthony Mantha this season.

Many seem to suggest Mark Stone's injury history is suspicions surrounding his recent return. While he suffered a lacerated spleen in February, his swift clearance for practice after the regular season has raised eyebrows about the severity of his injury and the timing of his recovery.

In essence, Seravalli's remarks shed light on a broader issue of transparency and fairness within the NHL. As the league grapples with the complexities of player injuries and salary cap management, ensuring a level playing field for all teams becomes paramount.