Stamkos (lower body) will be activated off injured reserve and return to Tampa Bay's lineup for Sunday's Game 1 versus Florida, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stamkos missed the last 16 games of the regular season with a lower-body injury, but he's been practicing since May 4, so he shouldn't have any limitations Sunday. The 31-year-old forward has racked up 17 goals and 34 points through 38 contests this campaign.

Stamkos (lower body) is "looking good" to play in Sunday's Game 1 versus the Panthers, Dan Rosen of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stamkos missed the last 16 games of the regular season with a lower-body injury, but he's been practicing with the team for over a week at this point, so he likely won't have any limitations if he does in fact dress for Game 1. The 31-year-old forward has racked up 17 goals and 34 points through 38 contests this campaign.

Stamkos (lower body) returned to practice Tuesday, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stamkos won't be available for Tampa Bay's final four regular-season games, but he's clearly trending in the right direction for a potential return during the Lightning's first-round playoff series. Stamkos has once again been plagued by injuries in 2020-21, but he's been productive when healthy, having racked up 17 goals and 34 points in 38 contests.

Stamkos (lower body) is expected to resume skating in 7-10 days, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Coach Jon Cooper is "extremely optimistic" Stamkos will be ready to return once he's eligible to come off long-term injured reserve May 2. While that's great news for the Lightning, it also means Stamkos will only get a handful of games in prior to the NHL playoffs, leaving fantasy managers who are still holding onto the star forward in a tough spot.

Stamkos (lower body) was placed on long-term injured reserve retroactive to April 8, per CapFriendly.

EDGE Analysis

Stamkos' placement on LTIR indicates he'll be out through at least through May 2. The Lightning have yet to announce a timeline for his return, but this appears to be a more significant injury than originally thought. With the Lightning comfortably in a playoff position, they won't rush the 31-year-old star back into action.

Stamkos (lower body) won't play Thursday or Saturday against the Panthers, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stamkos has already been sidelined for two games, so although the Lightning have yet to indicate he's dealing with a long-term injury, it's a little disconcerting that he's already been ruled out of Tampa Bay's next two contests. The Bolts are in excellent position to make the playoffs, so they'll likely proceed with caution with Stamkos' recovery. The 31-year-old forward has racked up 17 goals and 34 points in 38 games this campaign.

Stamkos (lower body) won't play in Tuesday's game versus the Predators, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

With the playoffs all but locked up, the Lightning won't rush Stamkos back, so he'll miss a second straight game. The 31-year-old's next chance to play is Thursday's home matchup against the Panthers. Stamkos has accrued 17 goals and 17 assists through 38 games this season.

Stamkos (lower body) will not play in Saturday's game against Nashville and is considered "doubtful" for Tuesday's rematch, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

When asked if Stamkos was dealing with a long-term injury, head coach Jon Cooper said he "hopes not" and that the team will know more after it gets back to Tampa. The Lightning captain hasn't been officially ruled out for Tuesday's game in Nashville, but it sounds like he'll sit out until at least Thursday, when the team hosts Florida. Stamkos has 17 goals and 34 points through 38 games this season.

Stamkos (lower body) limped to the locker room during the third period of Thursday's game versus the Blue Jackets, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear how Stamkos got injured, but the report that he was limping is not a great sign. With the Lightning leading 6-2 at the time of Stamkos' injury, they may be cautious with the star forward. If he doesn't return to Thursday's game, his first chance to return would be Saturday in Nashville.

Stamkos picked up a power-play assist Thursday in a 3-2 victory over the Blue Jackets.

EDGE Analysis

It's just his second point in six games; both of those points came on the power play. Stamkos hasn't put up a point at even strength since March 20. Like all snipers, he runs both hot and cool, so let's hope this apple results in a bushel.