Rutta (lower body) was on the ice in a regular jersey for Tuesday's practice, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta has missed Tampa Bay's last 17 games with a lower-body issue, but his presence on the ice Tuesday suggests he could get a game or two in before the regular season comes to a close Monday versus Florida. He's notched eight points through 33 contests this season.

Rutta (lower body) was placed on long-term injured reserve Saturday, per CapFriendly.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta won't be eligible to return until April 25 versus the Blue Jackets at the earliest. He has yet to resume skating, so there is no timeline for the defenseman's return. The Lightning will have less of a need to get him back in the lineup after trading for David Savard on Saturday.

Rutta (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Thursday, per CapFriendly.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta was described by head coach Jon Cooper as being steps back from returning. With Rutta's placement on IR, he won't be eligible to return until Sunday versus the Red Wings, but it's far from a lock that he'll be ready then.

According to coach Jon Cooper, Rutta (lower body) is "steps back" from returning, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta suffered a lower-body injury during Tuesday's loss to Columbus and appears poised to miss additional time as a result. Luckily for the Lightning, Ryan McDonagh (lower body) could be ready to return to the lineup for Thursday's rematch with the Blue Jackets.

Rutta (lower body) won't return to Tuesday's game versus the Blue Jackets.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta was hurt during the second period, and he was ruled out at the start of the third. It's unclear how he got injured, but the Lightning will have to finish Tuesday's contest with five defensemen. Rutta joins Ryan McDonagh and Erik Cernak among the Lightning's injured blueliners, which could leave them a bit thin for Thursday's rematch with the Jackets.

Rutta posted an assist, five shots on goal and two hits in Thursday's 4-3 loss to the Stars.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta saw a season-high 22:55 of ice time as the Lightning were missing both Ryan McDonagh and Erik Cernak to lower-body injuries Thursday. The increased role allowed Rutta to snap his nine-game point drought. The Czech defenseman has just seven helpers, 45 shots on net, 25 hits, 25 blocked shots and a plus-13 rating in 31 contests. He's matched his point production from last year in two fewer appearances.

Rutta (lower body) is skating next to Victor Hedman on the team's top defensive pairing Tuesday against Detroit, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta reportedly wouldn't be playing Tuesday, but evidently he feels better after having sat out the last two games with the injury. The 30-year-old has recorded just six assists in 21 games this season while averaging a modest 15:50 of ice time.

Rutta (lower body) is on the ice for warmups ahead of Tuesday's game against Detroit and appears set to play, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta was ruled out earlier in the day for the meeting with the Red Wings, but it seems that he might be good to go, after all. There's still a chance he could be a healthy scratch, but the fact Rutta is dressed and taking a twirl suggests he's over his injury.

Rutta (lower body) won't play Tuesday against Detroit, but he could return for Thursday's rematch with the Red Wings, NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta will miss a third straight game Tuesday, but he's clearly closing in on a return to the lineup. The 30-year-old rearguard has notched six helpers through 21 contests this season.

Head coach Jon Cooper said Monday that he's "hopeful" Rutta (lower body) will play in Tuesday's game versus the Blackhawks, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cooper that Erik Cernak (upper body) is closer to returning than Rutta, who has missed the last two games. The 30-year-old Rutta averaged 15:50 of ice time before this injury, generating six assists, 29 shots on net and 19 hits.