What It Means:

"Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos suffered a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee during the team's game against the Detroit Red Wings Tuesday night and will remain out of the lineup indefinitely," said general manager Steve Yzerman in a statement. "We are in the process of evaluating options for repair and rehabilitation and will release more information as it becomes available." Jonathan Drouin (upper body) remains out, but is expected to return soon. The Lightning face the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night.

Stamkos was limited to only 37 games during the 2013-14 season and will now miss a significant chunk of this campaign as well. He has nine goals and 20 points through 17 games this year while recording career-highs with a 56.7 Corsi For Percentage and 9.1 Relative Corsi For Percentage at Even Strength.