Tampa Bay GM drops news on Steven Stamkos status

The Tampa Bay Lightning are one team that has dealt with a lot during this attempt to return to play. Their training facility was shut down for several days after a Covid-19 outbreak and a number of their players and staff tested positive. We can't confirm if Steven Stamkos was one of them, however, Tampa's GM, Julian BriseBois dropped some news that surprised the media regarding Stamkos' availability.

Stev Stamkos suffered a lower body injury during Phase 2, not expected to be a full participant when camp starts, is still skating according to Julien BriseBois

— Lightning Insider (@Erik_Erlendsson) July 11, 2020

via GIPHY

Somebody wake that guy up and let him know there's a chance his favorite teams' best player may not be ready to go for game 1 of the playoffs. It's hard enough to be off for 3 months and have to get back into playoff game shape in 3 weeks . Let's hope Stamkos can get fully ready and back in the lineup for the Lightning.

The NHL is a better place when Steven Stamkos is playing.

Photo credit: Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire