Steven Stamkos Exits Predators vs. Lightning with Lower-Body Injury

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos suffered a lower-body injury Sunday against the Nashville Predators at Amalie Arena. The team announced he would not return after spending just seven minutes and 22 seconds on the ice.

Stamkos played 17 games in 2016-17 before he tore his right meniscus. He underwent surgery and missed the rest of the season. Minnesota Wild wing Zach Parise had a similar injury and told The Tampa Bay Times' Joe Smith he needed a year-and-a-half before he felt like 100 percent again on the ice.

That likely didn't give Lightning fans much comfort.

However, Stamkos has been much better in 2017-18, posting 86 points (27 goals, 59 assists) through 78 games. The points were his most since 2011-12, and only Nikita Kucherov has more on Tampa Bay this season.

His play has also been a key factor in the team clinching a playoff spot and being a top contender for a Stanley Cup this postseason.

Not only is Stamkos one of the Lightning's best players, he's also in the second year of an eight-year, $68 million deal. The 28-year-old is a large part of Tampa Bay's present and future, so it's important he avoid another serious health issue.