Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman announced tonight that Lightning captain Steven Stamkos will miss one-to-three months due to a blood clot in his arm. Tampa Bay announced the news via their official Twitter account.
#TBLightning forward Steven Stamkos to undergo vascular surgery, expected to return in 1-3 months: https://t.co/a5kCJKwfNr
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 3, 2016
Stamkos missed practice on Friday, as well as the team’s optional game-day skate on Saturday morning. Initially, the Lightning provided no details outside of Stamkos’ absence when Tampa faced the New York Islanders. However, they announced that Yzerman would address the media in regards to Stamkos, which is when the news was released.
Stamkos also made a statement after the news broke.
Obviously this situation is extremely disappointing because I wanted to help my team clinch a playoff spot and prepare for the start of the postseason. During my recovery I will do all I can to help my teammates, and I hope to rejoin them soon in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
According to the team, he will undergo surgery to treat a type of Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome near his right collarbone. Stamkos’ situation is very similar to what Andrei Vasilevskiy faced at the start of the season.
Tampa Bay is currently battling to lock up a postseason bid, and their in contention with the Florida Panthers for first place in the Atlantic Division. They’re currently 45-28-5 and trail the Panthers by two points in the standings with 95.
Stamkos, through 77 games this season, has 36 goals and 64 total points.
