Stamkos (upper body) remains on blood thinners but hopes to return at some point in the conference final against the Penguins, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stamkos reportedly shed his no-contact jersey in Friday's practice, though it turns out that doesn't mean he's any closer to a return. Once he's off blood thinners, though, the star center could be ready for contact. Stamkos won't be ready to face the Penguins for Game 1 on Friday, though he's bound to be meticulously evaluated as he draws closer to game ice.

Stamkos (upper body) participated in an optional skate Friday wearing a regular uniform, as opposed to a red no-contact jersey.

EDGE Analysis

We won't jump to conclusions, but this could be a sign that Stamkos is no longer taking blood thinners and ready for contact. Barring a miraculous turnaround, Stamkos won't play against the Penguins in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, but it does seem like he's making notable progress now that he's more than five weeks into his recovery schedule.

Stamkos (upper body) once again skated in his red no-contact jersey Thursday, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports. He remains without a timetable for his return.

EDGE Analysis

Stamkos has been taking blood thinners to treat clotting in his right arm. Until doctors tell the star player he can stop using them, taking contact will be out of the question. The Lightning have made it to the conference finals with electrifying winger Nikita Kucherov (12 points) and goalie Ben Bishop (1.89 GAA) playing out of their minds, but Stamkos is a generational talent who could really put them over the top in the upcoming series against the Penguins. However, given the delicate nature of his condition, Stammer won't be rushed back into the lineup.

Stamkos (upper body) continues to skate with the red non-contact jersey with no specific return date, reports the Tampa Bay Times, but CBC's Hockey Night in Canada reports the center is "close to a return."

EDGE Analysis

Stammer must be off the blood thinners needed to treat his condition for at least a couple days before he can play. Otherwise, any body contact could cause uncontrolled internal bleeding. Come Wednesday, Stamkos will be five weeks into his originally four-to-12 week recovery window.

Stamkos doesn't know when he will stop using blood thinners for a clot in his right arm, but said he could return 12-24 hours after getting off them, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

"Could be weeks, could be months," Stamkos said. At no point in the postseason thus far have the Lightning missed Stamkos more than they did in Game 1 against the Islanders on Wednesday. The Isles came out with guns blazing in the attacking zone and found twine five times, compared to three scores for the Lightning. Stammer did return to the ice for morning skate Tuesday, but hasn't taken contact, which presumably would be the next big step in his recovery.

Stamkos (upper body) was on the ice for Tuesday's morning skate and wore a red, no-contact jersey, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stamkos has been out of action since April 4 as he tries to overcome a blot clot issue. This appears to be the first major step in his recovery. It's still too early to tell when he'll return to game ice, but the Bolts will open the second-round playoff series against the Islanders on Wednesday. Even without Stamkos, one of the game's best forwards, the Lightning were able to knock off the Red Wings in the quarterfinals, with winger Nikita Kucherov compiling eight points in just five games.

Stamkos underwent a procedure Monday to treat what is described as "a type of Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome."

EDGE Analysis

Per the report, the area affected was located near Stamkos' right collarbone, and he is expected to fully recover and then be able to return to the ice in the range of 1-3 months. Dr. Karl Illig, who performed the procedure, relayed Monday that the plan is to re-evaluate Stamkos in about two weeks, at which time more should be known about the star forward's prognosis and recovery timetable.

Stamkos is out one to three months with a blood clot in his right arm, reports Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times.

EDGE Analysis

It's the same issue that Andrej Vasilevskiy had -- Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. The timeline for the goalie was two-to-three months, so one month is a bit lean for Stammer. This is a huge blow to the Bolts' chances at a Cup.

Stamkos will not play Saturday due to an upper-body injury, Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The nature of Stamkos' injury is not certain, but he will not take the ice Saturday. His next opportunity to play will come Monday against the Islanders.

Stamkos picked up two assists Monday in a 3-0 victory over the Maple Leafs. The points extend his scoring streak to six games and nine points, including five goals.

EDGE Analysis

He was moved to the wing to start the game with the return of Valtteri Filppula, but ended up back at the face-off dot eight times (seven wins). Stamkos doesn't want to be on the flank, but he's talking the good talk right now. However, it's a move that could see him walk in the offseason. But Stammer is hot no matter where he lines up - he has seven goals in his last eight games and 12 points in that span.