Fleury takes next step for return

Knights goalie faces full contact, could start Saturday

As usual, the Golden Knights had two goaltenders on the ice at practice Wednesday. But the focus was strictly on one.

Marc-andre Fleury skated and participated in full contact for the first time since sustaining a concussion Oct. 13 against Detroit. His presence on the ice at City National Arena was the biggest step yet for his return to net following the third documented concussion of the 33-year-old’s career.

“It was great being back on the ice with my teammates for a full practice today,” Fleury said in a text message released by the team. He was not made available for interviews after practice.

“I am hopeful I can join the team for game action soon. We have been playing well and I am looking forward to getting back and doing what I can to help the team win.”

Coach Gerard Gallant said

FLEURY

Fleury’s return provided an emotional boost.

“The guys were excited to see him out there,” Gallant said. “To get him back out there with the boys, there’s nothing better than that.”

Fleury’s first start could come as early as Saturday in Dallas. A lot will depend on the level of Fleury’s conditioning and how he recovered from practice Wednesday. He will be on the two-game road trip that begins Friday in Nashville.

But the Knights’ medical staff may want to wait until next week, when the team is home against Carolina on Tuesday, to allow Fleury back in net. The Knights host Pittsburgh, Fleury’s former team, on Dec. 14, and he certainly wants to play against the Penguins.

Fleury’s teammates were also glad to have him around the locker room, where he is one of the team’s leaders and helps keep the atmosphere loose. Forward Stefan Matteau found that out firsthand as Fleury good-naturedly tripped him, then fell on top of him after Matteau hit the ice just before Wednesday’s practice.

“Yeah, he’s a bit of a jokester,” Matteau said. “I never saw him. But I didn’t mind. It was his way of welcoming me to the team. He keeps everyone loose.” *As of Dec. 7

Source: NHL, Golden Knights

Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-journal @vegasphotograph Golden Knights goalie Marc-andre Fleury deflects the puck during a drill Wednesday. He could start Saturday against Dallas, but might not return until Tuesday against Carolina.