SALT LAKE CITY — William Karlsson joined the Vegas Golden Knights for morning skate Friday, marking his first time on the ice with the team in nearly six months.

The 33-year-old center has been sidelined since Nov. 8 with a lower-body injury suffered against the Anaheim Ducks. He played the first period of that game, did a TV interview during intermission, and did not return.

Karlsson did not participate in line rushes ahead of Game 6 against the Utah Mammoth, indicating he will not play, but his presence at Delta Center signals progress in his recovery.

“He’s just with the team,” coach John Tortorella said. “He’s been skating. We want him around the team.”

When asked how close Karlsson is to returning, Tortorella said, “We’re not even into that.”

“This has nothing to do with Will being close,” he added. “He’s gone through his progression. He’s been working out. We just wanted him to travel with the team.”

Karlsson has missed 29 games last season with a lower-body injury that forced him to withdraw from the 4 Nations Face-Off, and this injury prevented him from playing for Sweden in the Winter Olympics in February.

He has played 569 of his 752 career games with the Knights, third-most in franchise history behind Shea Theodore (581) and Brayden McNabb (647). His 71 playoff points rank fourth in franchise history.

“He’s been going through a lot of injuries for a while,” longtime linemate Reilly Smith said. “It’s probably as tough mentally as it is physically. Being on the road with everyone and being a part of the group, I’m sure for him, it’s a little light at the end of the tunnel. He’s a ray of sunshine for everyone.”

General manager Kelly McCrimmon said in March that he did not expect Karlsson to return unless the Knights had playoff success. Smith noted that Karlsson’s speed and playmaking have been missed.

“He’s a guy who has given this organization a lot of success,” Smith said. “He’s definitely been missed.”