Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone’s latest upper-body injury is not expected to sideline him long, general manager Kelly McCrimmon said Friday. Stone was placed on injured reserve Thursday after being hurt Sunday in Pittsburgh when Penguins defenseman Kris Letang delivered a light check, causing Stone to fall to one knee and skate slowly off.

McCrimmon described the injury as “manageable” and said the team is “not alarmed.” Stone, 33, missed his third straight game Friday against the Minnesota Wild and must also sit out Sunday’s home game against the Edmonton Oilers before being eligible to return. When asked if the issue is related to Stone’s twice-surgically-repaired back, McCrimmon declined to confirm but expressed little concern.

“I think we’re really comfortable that it’s manageable,” McCrimmon said. “We’re not alarmed by the injury that he has.”

Coach Bruce Cassidy noted Stone was receiving treatment at City National Arena on Friday and appeared to be in good spirits. The captain was on pace for a career season despite missing 16 games earlier with a broken finger.

Karlsson, Howden, Hart Updates

Center William Karlsson remains on long-term injured reserve with a lower-body injury, but McCrimmon said a return is possible if the Knights make a lengthy playoff run. “He will be kept alive,” McCrimmon said.

Brett Howden skated for the first time Friday since suffering an undisclosed injury Jan. 10 against St. Louis and is expected to return Sunday. Howden, who had 15 points in 39 games, adds to center depth after the team acquired Nic Dowd from Washington on Thursday. Cassidy, however, prefers Howden on the wing when the roster is fully healthy.

Goaltender Carter Hart remains week-to-week with a lower-body injury sustained Jan. 8 against Columbus. He is 5-3-3 in 12 appearances.