The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that forward Steven Stamkos will not partake in the upcoming Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. After meeting with the Lightning's medical director, Stamkos was informed that he will not be cleared to play in time for the tournament.
From the team's media release:
“Today is obviously very disappointing for me,… Stamkos said. “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. I would like to thank the training staff for their dedication and hard work and I look forward to returning to the Lightning once cleared by the medical team.…
It's hard not to feel bad for Stamkos, considering what he's been through over the last few months. After being left off the Olympic team in 2010, the young sniper was a virtual lock to make the 2014 Canadian roster. Suffering a broken leg in Boston back in November threw a wrench in those plans. As disappointing as this might be, the fact that he was even in the Olympic conversation after breaking his leg is beyond impressive. This decision is the right one for the Lightning and the right one for Stamkos. My only hope is that NHL players get the opportunity to play in the Olympics in 2018, or at some point before Stamkos hangs up his skates for good. Nobody disagrees with the fact that this player deserves to don his country's jersey.
With news that Stamkos will be unavailable for Team Canada, Yzerman and his team now have to find a suitable replacement. The three names that have consistently been mentioned as potential substitutes are Claude Giroux, Eric Staal, and the Lightning's own Marty St. Louis.
Renaud Lavoie of Quebec's TVA sports, a man who has been known to break stories around the NHL, indicated that Marty St. Louis might be on the top of that list.
Heard last week that their was a good chance that Martin St-Louis will be in Sochi.
— Renaud Lavoie (@LavoieRenaud) February 5, 2014As always, thanks for reading.