Girardi has retired from the NHL.

EDGE Analysis

Girardi was never a high-end fantasy asset, but he was a highly dependable stay-at-home defender throughout his 13-year career, spending his first 11 seasons with the Rangers before joining the Lightning for his final two NHL campaigns. The 35-year-old will hang up his skates having racked up 56 goals and 264 points in 927 career contests.

Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois announced that the team would not re-sign Dan Girardi, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Girardi has been a vital part of the Lightning's defensive group over the last two seasons, suiting up in 139 regular season contests during that span. The 35-year-old blueliner can still provide a touch of offense, but more importantly, some veteran leadership in the locker room. He shouldn't have trouble securing a short-term NHL deal this offseason.

Girardi finished 2018-19 playoffs with no points, four penalty minutes and a minus-2 rating in four games.

EDGE Analysis

Girardi's game has slowed. And with Victor Hedman and Anton Stralman out with injuries, he was forced into a bigger role than perhaps he could handle. Especially with the aggressive forecheck of the Blue Jackets. Girardi is a free agent this offseason and he will need to take a financial haircut to stay with the Bolts. Even if he does, Girardi isn't a fantasy option.

Girardi (lower body) will rejoin the lineup for the regular-season finale Saturday against the Bruins, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Girardi wasn't expected to return prior to the postseason, but it appears he's recovered a bit ahead of schedule and will get in a tune-up game prior. The veteran defenseman owns just 15 points to his name through 61 contests, so there's little to point to in terms of fantasy upside despite him playing on one of the best offensive clubs in the league.

Girardi was on the ice for practice Thursday for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury March 7, Lightning radio analyst Caley Chelios reports.

EDGE Analysis

Girardi isn't expected to make his return until the playoffs fire up, but his presence on the ice is an encouraging sign that he should be ready early in the postseason. The veteran blueliner has collected just 15 points over 61 games this season, leaving him off the fantasy radar in many playoff pools.

Girardi (lower body) is doubtful for the remainder of the regular season but coach Jon Cooper is hopeful that the veteran blueliner will be available for the playoffs, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

If Girardi's regular season is indeed over, he finishes with four goals and 11 assists in 61 games. This will be the veteran blueliner's fifth consecutive campaign with between 15 and 20 points.

Girardi (lower body) appears to have suffered a setback and is out indefinitely, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Girardi was labeled day-to-day throughout his five-game absence, but is now facing an extended absence due to his lower-body issue. With Anton Stralman (lower body) also unavailable, Jan Rutta and Braydon Coburn figure to continue filling out the third pairing. The Lightning are poised for a deep postseason run, which leaves open the possibility for Girardi to still get back into the lineup for the playoffs, but he is likely done for the remainder of the regular season.

Girardi (lower body) will not play against the Coyotes on Monday, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tampa Bay's blue line is still thin with Girardi and Anton Stralman (lower body) both missing the last several contests. The 34-year-old doesn't have a timetable to return, but his next chance to play will be Wednesday in Washington.

Girardi (lower body) was absent from morning skate ahead of Saturday's game against the Capitals, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Anton Stralman (lower body) also omitted from the latest session, the Bolts reportedly will continue relying on Jan Rutta to round out the depth on the blue line. Girardi is looking at a fourth straight absence, though he's not on injured reserve thanks, in large part, to extra roster flexibility that opened up after the trade deadline.

Girardi (lower body) isn't in the projected lineup for Thursday's game against Detroit, NHL.com's Dave Hogg reports.

EDGE Analysis

Girardi will miss a third consecutive game Thursday, but his continued absence won't impact many fantasy lineups, as he's only notched 15 points in 61 contests this campaign. Another update on the veteran blueliner's status should surface once he's ready to rejoin the lineup.