Steven Stamkos out 1 to 3 months with blood clot in arm

Steven Stamkos did not take warmups on Saturday night, and was a late scratch against the New Jersey Devils. The team announced he had an upper body injury.

After the game, Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman announced Steven Stamkos would miss one to three months with a blood clot in his right arm.

Yzerman went on to say that Stamkos would have vascular surgery on Monday, and he's expected to make a full recovery.

Obviously, this is a devastating blow to the Lightning who are already without Anton Stralman for the playoffs.

There are two giant questions in the wake of this news. 

First, who will be called up to replace the captain?

Yzerman said he had no immediate plans to call anyone up; however, reporters were quick to volunteer an idea. How about that Jonathan Drouin kid? This is something Yzerman said he'd consider. Drouin has 12 points in 16 games with the Syracuse Crunch (AHL).

Second, have we seen the last of Stamkos in a Lightning uniform?

Yes, it feels like way too soon to be asking this question, but come on, you know everyone is thinking it. Yzerman said he is still hopeful that he will be able to sign Stammer to a long-term extension prior to July 1st when he becomes the most sought after unrestricted free agent.

No word as to if Lou Lamoriello has placed multiple Edible Arrangements orders to be sent to Stamkos's hospital room ahead of Monday's surgery.

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Jen Neale is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter! Follow @MsJenNeale_PD.

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