Steven Stamkos Will Not Compete at the Sochi Olympics

On Wednesday Team Canada suffered a blow when it was announced that Steven Stamkos has not been medically cleared to return to the ice. The Tampa Bay Lightning center suffered a broken leg in a game on Nov. 11th and has been in a race to rehab ever since.

Despite his best efforts, it was a race in which Stamkos came up just short. He expressed his disappointment in a press release following the determination:

“I honestly believe that we did everything possible in order to have my injured leg ready in time for the Olympics, but I realize you can’t force healing. I know, in the best interest of my long-term health, I cannot represent Canada in Sochi, as much as I would like to.”

Though it’s not all bad news. Just three months since having surgery to pale a titanium rod in his tibia, Stamkos’ doctor is reportedly very pleased with his recovery to this point. He will continue rehabbing and be evaluated again in two or three weeks.

Which means there’s a chance Stamkos could be back on the ice for the Lightning when they resume play on March 1st following the Olympics. And with just six weeks remaining in the NHL regular season, his return to Tampa Bay couldn’t come at a better time.

At the time of his injury, Stamkos was tied with the Penguins‘ Sidney Crosby as the league leader in points. The Lightning are already on track to make the playoffs, but they could compete for their division if Stamkos is playing at the same level he was pre-injury.

Either way, it’ll come a few week too late for Team Canada.