Lightning's Steven Stamkos: Conflicting reports on return from injury

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."

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 original 4-12 week recovery window. He'll play as soon as he possibly can, but there's no reason to risk his life or career by coming back too soon.