Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos will have surgery on the lateral meniscus tear in his right knee, ESPN's Pierre LeBrun has confirmed.
A source told LeBrun that a firm timetable for Stamkos' return won't be established until after the surgery, which will take place Thursday or Friday, but the recovery time for the procedure is generally four to six months.
The Lightning said Wednesday that Stamkos is out indefinitely, but coach Jon Cooper said the center would be back in time for the playoffs in April.
"If we put ourselves in a position to make the playoffs, he's going go to be back," Cooper said Thursday.