Steven Stamkos injury update: Lightning lose star to lower-body injury

Star centre of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Steven Stamkos, leaves Sunday’s game against the Nashville Predators with a lower-body injury.

Fair warning, Bolts fans — this is no April fools joke.

Steven Stamkos, captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning, exited Sunday’s game against the Nashville Predators with an apparent lower-body injury. As per the team’s official announcement, he would not go on to return to action.

Although details of the situation have not yet been disclosed — and may not be in the days to come, as playoffs loom on the not-so-distant horizon — it’s important to note the talented center also missed time during last Monday’s matchup against the Arizona Coyotes. That, too, was described as a lower-body injury, one that head coach Jon Cooper called “maintenance” above anything else.

While we don’t want to strain the edges of gossip amidst ongoing speculation, one cannot help but wonder about the potential ramifications of Stamkos’ departure, especially if his lower-body ailment continues to serve as a recurring issue.

Stamkos is currently one of the NHL’s leaders in points (86) and assists (59). He plays top minutes on the Bolts’ first line and acts as one of the driving forces behind the team’s power play which is ranks second in the league.

Stamkos also completes one of the most devastating dynamic duos in contemporary sport, as he demonstrates a superb capacity to feed his offensive counterpoint, hockey’s second-highest point scorer, Nikita Kucherov.

While memories of 2016-17 continue to run rampant which saw Stamkos sidelined for most of the season due to a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee, we ought to remember tonight’s news is still fresh. There’s little doubt that losing Stamkos would completely reshape the Bolts’ structure, but there’s no point in speculating further until additional details are made available.

At a minimum, it’s likely the Lightning will hold Stamkos out for the final week of the season as his status for the opening round of the playoffs will be determined later this week.

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We will provide updates as the Stamkos narrative continues to unfold.