Brooklyn Nets hire Jordi Fernandez, coach of Canada’s men’s national team, as head coach

Jordi Fernandez was hired Monday as coach of the Brooklyn Nets, who are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs for the first time in six years.

It didn’t take long for Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone to make his return to the lineup felt.

After he confirmed Monday morning that he’d be in the lineup for Game 1 against the Dallas Stars, he then proceeded to score on his very first shift to give the defending champs a 1-0 lead.

Stone, who lacerated his spleen Feb. 20 against Nashville, participated in a full practice Saturday. He had been skating in a non-contact red jersey before getting cleared.

Stone told reporters his recovery from the surgery “sucked” because he would start to feel better but then subsequent tests would tell him he was not close to returning.

Stone’s status caused criticism from the hockey world regarding the Golden Knights’ LTIR usage and whether it borders on cap circumvention. General manager Kelly McCrimmon defended their use of LTIR, calling the notion that the team overstates the significance of injuries “ridiculous.”

In 56 games this season, Stone has 16 goals and 37 assists for 53 points.