Golden Knights activate Martinez from IR, returns against Blackhawks

March 26, 2022 - 3:27pm

Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Alec Martinez (23) celebrates a goal against the Colorado Avalanche with teammates on the bench during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, in Denver. (Jack Dempsey/AP)

Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Alec Martinez returned to the lineup against the Chicago Blackhawks after getting activated from injured reserve.

According to CapFreindly, the Golden Knights have moved Reilly Smith from injured reserve to long-term injured reserve. Vegas also loaned defenceman Zachary Hayes to AHL Henderson Silver Knights.

The moves provided the Golden Knights with the cap space needed to add Martinez back to the active roster.

Initially, Vegas had a deal to send Evgennii Dadonov to the Anaheim Ducks was to clear salary cap space that could be used to activate captain Mark Stone and Martinez off long-term injured reserve. The NHL voided the deal citing that Dadnonov's contract included a limited no-trade clause that had not been complied with.