Oct 10, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) skates with the puck against the Florida Panthers during the first period at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Stamkos had a hat trick. The Lightnings won 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Taking even further strides to prove to the world that he is from another far off planet, because he clearly isn’t human, Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos skated in practice today in full gear wearing a red no-contact jersey.

Before you get too excited, keep in mind that Stamkos’ return is still quite a ways off. As we all painfully remember, Stamkos fractured his tibia on November 11th when Stamkos lost his edge in front of the Boston net and his leg went crashing into the goal post.

However, the fact that he is already taking in practice just 52 days, roughly 2 months, after having surgery to repair a fracture in his tibia amazes me.

Then again, it really should come as no surprise. I mean, we are talking about the same guy who walked into a press conference without the assistance of any sort of crutches, or without so much as a limp for that matter, only 14 days after having his surgery completed.

I mean, honestly, is this guy even human?

Here is a short video posted to Instagram earlier today by TBO.com’s Erik Erlendsson of Stamkos on the ice.

Prior to going out with his injury, Stamkos had suited up for 17 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning . In that time, he had already amassed 14 goals and 9 assists for a total of 23 points with a plus-11 rating.

While there is still hope that Stamkos will be back on the ice in enough time to represent Team Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, this is not his first priority. He has always asserted that his main goal is to recover as quickly as he can without running the risk of further injuring himself, and getting back out on the ice for the Bolts. The prospect of joining Canada in the Olympics is the virtual “icing on the cake.”

Do you think Stamkos will make it back in time to join Team Canada is Sochi? If so, do you think Stamkos is going to be able to hit the ice as good as new, or do you think he’ll need some time to shake the rust off and get his head back in the game? Sound off in the comments below and let us know what you think.

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