The Tampa Bay Lightning just announced that Steven Stamkos will not participate in the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi.
Erik Erlendsson of Tampa Tribune: Stamkos removed himself.
“Today is obviously very disappointing for me,” Stamkos said in a statement. “I honestly believe that we did everything possible in order to have my injured leg ready in time for the Olympics, but I realize you can’t force healing.
“I know, in the best interest of my long term health, I cannot represent Canada in Sochi, as much as I would like to. I would like to thank the training staff for their dedication and hard work and I look forward to returning to the Lightning once cleared by the medical team.”
Steve Yzerman’s statement.
“After reviewing the CT scan this afternoon, Dr. (Ira) Gutentag made it clear to me and to Steven that the tibia is not completely healed and therefore he should not be participating in game action at any time in the near future,” Yzerman said in a statement.
“Although the doctor was very pleased to this point with the healing process, he explained that the callus surrounding the fracture site is not 100 percent consolidated, and Steven will not be cleared to play in a game until that happens. It was a pretty clear cut decision, no gray areas at all.”