Stephens exited Saturday's game against the Blue Jackets after suffering an apparent leg injury, Caley Chelios of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens suffered the injury when he was pulled down from behind by a Blue Jackets player, causing him to buckle his right leg awkwardly. The Lightning have yet to release any details regarding Stephens' status, but it looks like he could be facing an extended absence.

Stephens signed a two-year, $1.475 million extension with the Lightning on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens was a part-time player for Tampa Bay in 2019-20, picking up three goals and three helpers in 38 contests. The 23-year-old forward will likely continue to be a rotational, bottom-six option next season, so don't expect him to suddenly develop into a useful fantasy option.

Stephens potted a goal on two shots and handed out four hits Monday in a 3-2 shootout win over Washington.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens made a nifty doorstep deflection of a Patrick Maroon feed in the second period to stake the Lightning to a 2-0 lead. He also enjoyed an efficient night in the faceoff circle, winning eight of 12 (66.7 percent) draws. Stephens, who centered Tampa Bay's fourth line Monday, contributed three goals and three assists in 38 regular-season games as a first-year NHLer.

Stephens scored a short-handed goal on his lone shot in a 2-1 loss to Boston on Tuesday. He also provided five hits and won four of five faceoffs.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens swatted home a loose puck during a scramble in front to get the Lightning on the board late in the second period. It was the third goal of the season for the 23-year-old rookie and his first since Jan. 5, halting a 22-game slump. Stephens is averaging just over 10 minutes per night in a fourth-line role and is not a fantasy factor.

The Lightning recalled Stephens from AHL Syracuse on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens was sent down to minors Monday to retain his AHL eligibility, but he's back with the big club with a chance to re-enter the lineup Thursday against the Blackhawks. The 2015 second-round pick (33rd overall) will likely suit up if Steven Stamkos (undisclosed) is ruled out.

Tampa Bay assigned Stephens (lower body) to AHL Syracuse on Monday, Diana C. Nearhos of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens was held out of Saturday's game against Arizona with a lower-body injury, but his demotion indicates that's no longer an issue. The 23-year-old pivot will likely be back with the big club sooner rather than later.

Stephens (lower body) will sit out Saturday's game against the Coyotes, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 23-year-old is day-to-day, so Stephens shouldn't miss too much time. The 23-year-old has five points in 33 games this season, meaning his absence, while unfortunate, will not alter fantasy fortunes all that much.

Stephens skated 17:45 in Tuesday's 2-1 overtime win over Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens didn't hit the score sheet, but he did fire four shots. He was pressed into more ice time with injuries to Nikita Kucherov and Anthony Cirelli. The young man is one of the hardest workers on the ice. That will endear Stephens to his teammates and fans, but it doesn't make him fantasy worthy. He has two goals and three assists in 29 games this season.

The Lightning recalled Stephens from AHL Syracuse on Sunday, Caley Chelios of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Lightning only have 12 forwards on the roster, so Stephens will likely play to start the team's four-game road trip, with his first chance Monday versus the Stars. The 22-year-old center only has four points over 20 NHL games this year, and he's averaging 9:49 per contest.

Stephens was sent down to AHL Syracuse on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

The Lightning are off until Jan. 27 with the All-Star break looming, so Stephens will head to AHL Syracuse to continue getting some action. The 22-year-old forward has collected two goals and four points in 20 NHL games this season.