Steven Stamkos out 1 to 3 months with blood clot in arm

Steven Stamkos did not take warmups on Saturday night, and was a late scratch against the New Jersey Devils. The team announced he had an upper body injury.

After the game, Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman announced Steven Stamkos would miss one to three months with a blood clot in his right arm, near his collarbone.

 

From the Lightning:

 

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos is scheduled to undergo surgery to treat a type of Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (called Effort Thrombosis) near his right collarbone, vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman announced today. The procedure is scheduled to be performed on Monday, April 4 by Dr. Karl Illig, Director of Vascular Surgery at Tampa General Hospital. Stamkos is expected to fully recover and he should be able to return to the ice in 1-3 months.

“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.”

Stamkos will not be available to media until a later date.

 

Vascular Thoratic Outlet Syndrome is also what Tampa goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy was diagnosed with in the preseason. He was projected to miss two to three months after undergoing surgery by the same physician. The goalie was out of game action for about two months.

Obviously, this is a devastating blow to the Lightning who are already without Anton Stralman for the playoffs. Stamkos is tied with Nikita Kucherov for the team lead in scoring with 64 points (36-28=64)

There are two giant questions in the wake of this news.

First, who will be called up to replace the captain?

Yzerman said he had no immediate plans to call anyone up; however, reporters were quick to volunteer an idea. How about that Jonathan Drouin kid? This is something Yzerman said he'd consider. Drouin has 12 points in 16 games with the Syracuse Crunch (AHL).

Second, have we seen the last of Stamkos in a Lightning uniform?

Yes, it feels like way too soon to be asking this question, but come on, you know everyone is thinking it. Yzerman said he is still hopeful that he will be able to sign Stammer to a long-term extension prior to July 1st when he becomes the most sought after unrestricted free agent.

No word as to if Lou Lamoriello has placed multiple Edible Arrangements orders to be sent to Stamkos's hospital room ahead of Monday's surgery.