Stamkos (knee) will not play Thursday in Toronto, ESPN's Pierre LeBrun reports.

EDGE Analysis

The waiting game continues for Stamkos' return, which may not come in 2016-17 if the Lightning are to lose Thursday and in turn be eliminated from postseason contention. The two-time "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner remarked that his odds of playing in the remainder of the regular season "probably not looking that good." Expect the Lightning or the player to issue a further update ahead of each of the remaining games this campaign.

Stamkos (knee) has been ruled out of Tuesday's battle for playoff qualification in Boston, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

There was some hope that the Bolts' captain would be able to get in to the lineup for Tuesday's crucial game, but it appears as though the team doesn't want to rush Stamkos' recovery. The one-time 60-goal scorer has been practicing since March 17 and will be looking to get back to game action at some point before the conclusion of the regular season, with his next opportunity coming Thursday in Toronto.

Stamkos (knee) did not take line rushes at morning skate ahead of Tuesday's road contest against the Bruins, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tampa Bay's chances of making the postseason stand at roughly 25 percent, leaving fans of the Bolts clamoring for Stamkos to make his return. While he technically remains on injured reserve, coach Jon Cooper called Stamkos day-to-day before the 27-year-old wound up missing Sunday's contest versus the visiting Stars. This situation reminds us of last posteason, when Stamkos dealt with blood clots and worked his tail off in order to draw into a desperation conference quarterfinal contest against the Penguins; fantasy owners have little choice but to hang onto him and hope he can make an appearance in at least one of the four games that remain for the Lightning.

Despite being marked day-to-day, Stamkos (knee) will miss Sunday's game against the Stars, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stamkos has laced up the skates for just 17 games this season after missing time in the postseason last year due to injury. It appears he could rejoin the lineup for the club's home stretch -- and a potential playoff run -- but his next chance to do so arrives Tuesday against the Bruins.

Stamkos (knee) continues to make progress and head coach Jon Cooper said the star has advanced to day-to-day status, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stamkos is nearly at the end of a difficult 4 1/2-month rehab after knee surgery. He is still trying to determine whether any discomfort or uneasiness he's experiencing is a sign he isn't ready to play again or a sign of how he'll feel after playing. It appears a return is near, and the team likely would prefer he make it back soon to help in their push for a playoff spot before it is too late.

Stamkos (knee) will not play Saturday against the Canadiens.

EDGE Analysis

Tampa Bay was hoping to have its star center back for a key matchup in the playoff race, but he'll continue to rest his knee. Stamkos will have another opportunity to play against Dallas on Sunday, and there's a lot of optimism as he's been participating in optional skates lately. Stay tuned to see if he can go against the Stars.

Stamkos (knee) could play Saturday against the Canadiens, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stamkos has not played since Nov. 15, but the star pivot reportedly stayed late for an optional skate Thursday in an effort to get cleared for the next contest. Even if he does suit up Saturday, the Tampa Bay Times adds that Stamkos' minutes should be monitored since the team finds itself in a back-to-back scenario this weekend. This is an interesting situation since the venerable Stamkos is one of the game's most dangerous weapons at the center spot and has what it takes to put a fantasy team over the top.

As expected, Stamkos (knee) will not return to the lineup Thursday against Detroit, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stamkos has yet to be activated off injured reserve, but being described as day-to-day by coach Jon Cooper is the closest sign yet that he is almost ready. The 27-year-old, who hasn't played since mid-November, should offer an instant boost to Tampa Bay's offense as the team attempts to chase down Boston for the final wild-card spot.

Coach Jon Cooper relayed Wednesday that Stamkos (knee) is now in the day-to-day category, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cooper acknowledged that Stamkos is unlikely to play Thursday against the Red Wings, but added encouragingly, "after that, I'd say it's getting really close." The timing of this positive news couldn't be better for the Bolts, with the team on a three-game roll and now on the cusp of the NHL's playoff structure. Prior to sustaining his injury in mid-November, Tampa Bay's top sniper had recorded nine goals and 20 points over the course of 17 games.

Stamkos (knee) isn't sure that he'll be ready to return by the end of the regular season, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

One of the top fantasy options at center when healthy, Stamkos has been sidelined since Nov. 15. His injury -- coupled with a more recent lower-body ailment to Tyler Johnson -- has left the Bolts lacking top playmakers down the middle. It would be foolish to drop Stamkos given the off-chance that he toughs it out and returns like he did last postseason after overcoming blood clots, but this has certainly left countless fantasy owners in a tough spot given Stammer's high-profile status.