Stamkos skates for 1st time since blood clot diagnosis

It was a welcome sight for Tampa Bay Lightning fans, as captain Steven Stamkos skated in practice Tuesday for the first time since being diagnosed with a blood clot.

The forward wore a red non-contact jersey and looked happy to be back on the ice with teammates. He skated on the fourth line with Brian Boyle and Mike Blunden.

Steven Stamkos all smiles being back with teammates to begin practice #TBLightning pic.twitter.com/sfyW28bcgv

- Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) April 26, 2016

Following practice, Stamkos said his timeline hasn't changed, and he'll remain out as long as he needs to be on blood thinners, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times.

Stamkos said he was playing his best hockey before surgery: "This is the toughest thing I've had to deal with is just the timing of it."

- Bryan Burns (@BBurnsNHL) April 26, 2016

The 26-year-old hasn't played since March 31, and was expected to miss one-to-three months while recovering from vascular surgery.

The Lightning begin their second-round series Wednesday against the New York Islanders.

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