The hockey world received some extremely unfortunate news on Saturday night when the Tampa Bay Lightning announced that star forward Steven Stamkos has a blood clot in his arm that will require surgery.
#TBLightning announce Steven Stamkos has blood clot in arm, will have vascular surgery and is out 1-3 months.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) April 3, 2016
The 26-year-old Stamkos was a late scratch for Saturday’s matchup against the Devils, missing his first game since breaking his leg two years ago. Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman announced the news following the game.
It’s obviously a serious matter that requires immediate attention, but the development is a very unfortunate one for both Stamkos and the Lightning, as the NHL playoffs are set to begin next week and Tampa Bay is (or was?) considered one of the Eastern Conference favorites heading into the postseason.
Stamkos, a two-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner, is one of the league’s most elite offensive players and the Lightning will certainly be less dangerous without him in the lineup.
There’s a chance that Stamkos could return this season if Tampa makes a deep run — plus, he may have superhuman recovery powers considering how quickly he bounced back from his broken leg — but blood clots are obviously not something to mess around with or rush back from. Not to mention Stamkos has his future to consider, as he’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The Lightning’s official press release included this quote from the star:
“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,” Stamkos said. “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.”
Regardless of whether or not he plays again this season, the Bolts’ odds just took a serious hit, especially since they’re already without top defenseman Anton Stralman, who fractured his left leg a little over a week ago. If the reigning Eastern Conference champs hope to make it two Stanley Cup Final appearances in a row, they’re going to need to overcome some serious hurdles in the road.
