Lightning announce Stamkos won't play in 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics
Bad news, Canada: Steven Stamkos won't play in Sochi at the 2014 Winter Olympics, the Lightning announced on Tuesday.
[Courtesy Tampa Bay Lightning]
"Today is obviously very disappointing," Stamkos added. "I honestly believe that we did everything possible in order to have my injured leg ready."
Stamkos is recovering from a broken leg he suffered on Nov. 11, but the injury will unfortunately keep him out of the games. It's a big blow for Stamkos, personally, and a big blow for Team Canada. Stamkos had 14 goals in 17 games, and nine assists, when he was hurt.
Steven Stamkos deserved to be in Sochi, and he deeply wanted to be in Sochi. That's a shame.
— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) February 5, 2014
The discussion now turns to who'll replace Stamkos, and Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman has options, namely the Flyers' Claude Giroux, and the Lightning's Martin St. Louis.