The Tampa Bay Lightning will be without Steven Stamkos for an indefinite period of time after he suffered a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee, general manager Steve Yzerman announced Wednesday.
The injury was suffered during Tuesday's game in Detroit, after which Stamkos flew home for tests.
"Our understanding is that this issue can be repaired and he can get back to full speed. It just takes some time," Yzerman said, per Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. "Obviously he's disappointed. He's going to work his rear end off and he'll be back as good as ever."
#tblightning should have better idea in coming days the best route to take w Stamkos (repair/rehab). Then they'll have clearer timeline
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) November 16, 2016
Stamkos signed an eight-year, $68-million contract extension with the club this past summer. He started the season in fine form, recording nine goals and 11 assists in 17 games, sitting one point back of the NHL lead.
The knee injury comes after Stamkos suffered a broken tibia that kept him out for most of the 2013-14 season, and a blood clot that forced him to miss all but one playoff game in 2016.
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