So he returned in October.

Yeah, I think Kucherov has been skating for what, 2 months now.
- Aetherial

Well Doctor I guess hip surgery you just recover over night! Please continue staying in a holiday inn so you can keep practicing as a Doctor Lmfao

Enjoy mountain biking.
- Marwood

And Golf champ!!

So just your typical American multinational corporation. Nothing to see here.
- bloatedmosquito

That's a lot of words to express butthurt.

Yeah, sit out, do nothing, hide, don't be seen, don't go out, fake an injury.

Crooked team doctors, corrupt league officials.

Do you folks hear yourselves?

Occam's razor - genuine injury, timely surgery, typical recovery time, GM exploiting cap loopholes.

It's nothing new. The Lightning aren't the first, the only, or the last.

Tons of butthurt. Put some salve on that poop.
- GalacticStone

Well said! Kucherov surgery was end of December and recovery to just walk after this type of surgery for the likes of people on this site is 3-5 months but skate, stop, and give and get hit on the ice…I’m having so much fun with all this! Stay ignorant people!

Pasta had his hip done, was back playing in early February. I'll grant you Tampa played longer than Boston last post season (congrats), but it wasn't three months longer. Don't expect anyone to believe this wasn't planned by Tampa from the get go. They knew they were in cap hell and knew Kuch needed hip surgery. They found a way to circumvent the rules by have Kuch delay surgery just long enough to give them cap relief but still be back for the post season.

The stupid rules need to be fixed to take care of this. The cap should apply for all games...period. If LTIR is used and cap relief is granted then the player should be out until the following season. Simple.
- bluemoon737

Paranoia mind destroyer lol

And yet you took the time to count my words.
- GalacticStone

lmfao!

With Pfizer.
- Marwood

Pfizer in February both injections, but I live in Tampa!

The only people I think its unfair to is the Fans
that single mother whose bringing her kid to see their favourite player Steven Stamkos for the first time. But he is "out" for no reason.
It sucks.

I think its a sign of a different attitude in players as well. Less likely to put it all on the line for the fans or the team. They're thinking they want to have working bodies after retirement and why not. Fans will continue to ask for more out of those who give, so its a fine balance. Personally I respect those who want to give everything they can to the fans and the team but I understand the other side.
- Tom Dusome

Stammer just started skating this week, love the ignorance

Paranoia mind destroyer lol
- Justbecause

Yeah, I'm paranoid (not sure how someone is out to get "me" in this case) because I'm able to figure out Tampa played within the rules to their advantage. My issue is with the rules, not Tampa's application of them. The cap should be the cap regardless of what part of the season we are talking about. If a team is gaining cap relief by placing a player on LTIR, the player shouldn't be available until the next season. No having your cake and eating it too.

You're an idiot. What does JT have to do with anything I said? Feel free to disagree, but please use your head. Your jealousy is showing.
- TroyTech

Im an idiot?? You are definitely a moron!!! Your whole post is crying that the league favors the smaller markets by giving them more calls is (frank)ing asinine!! Do you know how (frank)ing stupid you sound!!

The league is trying to tap US dollars. What does the Leafs have to do with US TV? Its regional you dummy!!! Just like most fans dont in Dallas dont care about the Bruins!!

You really are a dumb Leafs fan!!