Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman broke the bad news in a press conference following the Lightning’s 3-1 win over the New Jersey Devils tonight which Steven Stamkos did not play in. Stamkos has a blood clot near his right collarbone that will require surgery on Monday. He is expected to miss one to three months.
The injury is the same one goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy had this year: Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. “Incredibly bad luck,” said Yzerman.
Lightning sniper Steven Stamkos will miss 1-3 months because of a blood clot in his right arm.
When asked if calling up Jonathan Drouin was a possibility, Yzerman said it is “certainly something we’re going to have to consider.” The Bolts GM went on to say, he was pleased with what Drouin is doing and that “his effort has been outstanding.”
Yzerman said he’s confident Stamkos’ injury will have no long term impact on his playing ability beyond this season or his future with Lightning and that he is expected to make a full recovery. He went on, “It never works according to plan. It’s part of what makes it very difficult to win championships: staying healthy.”
Losing Anton Stralman and Stamkos this close together going into the playoffs will be difficult for the Lightning to overcome. Stamkos has 36 goals and 28 assists in 77 games this season for the Lightning.
When asked if Stamkos has played his last game in a Lightning jersey Yzerman said the hope is still to sign Stamkos to a long-term extension.
In a statement Stamkos said, “Obviously this situation is extremely disappointing because I wanted to help my team clinch a playoff spot. I will do all I can to help my teammates, and I hope to rejoin them soon in the Stanley Cup playoffs.”
Yzerman said, “Getting unexpected outstanding performances from guys you weren’t necessarily expecting, that’s what we’re going to need.”
Coach Jon Cooper said, “We’re so close to the finish line … Stralman, Stamkos, those guys are irreplaceable.”
(Feature Photo/Christine Gunn)
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