Stamkos had injury related to hernia surgery, expected to be ready for 2020-21

Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois revealed Thursday the extent of the mysterious injury that kept Steven Stamkos out for all but five shifts of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Stamkos underwent surgery for a sports hernia prior to the NHL's pause in March, BriseBois told NHL.com's Bryan Burns. The Lightning captain recovered from that injury and fully participated in Phase 2 of the league's return-to-play plan, but his rehab triggered a compensation injury.

"We fully expect him to be ready for next season," BriseBois said, adding that Stamkos will meet with a specialist next week to ascertain the full extent of his current injury.

BriseBois also said Stamkos is expected to recover in a matter of weeks rather than months.

Stamkos saw just 2:47 of ice time during the postseason - scoring a goal in Game 3 of the finals - but the Lightning were victorious anyway, beating the Dallas Stars in six games to win the Stanley Cup.

The 30-year-old was productive when healthy during the regular season, tallying 29 goals and 37 assists in 57 games.

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