Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos will make a decision this weekend regarding his status for Team Canada.
After suffering a broken leg on Nov.11 against the Boston Bruins, Stamkos will return to action on Saturday when the Detroit Red Wings come to town, according to the Tampa Bay Times’ Damian Cristodero. It is the Lightning’s last game before the two-week Olympic break, and Stamkos will reportedly use the matchup to determine whether or not he will be ready to participate in the Winter Olympics.
Stamkos has been skating for a few weeks now and has been participating in drills during his expedited recovery process. Despite needing surgery and multiple months to fully heal, Stamkos was named to Team Canada’s 25-man roster, and he has made it clear all along that his goal is to be on the ice for Canada’s first game in Sochi on Feb. 13.
In just 17 games this season, Stamkos has 14 goals and 23 points.