TORONTO

The list of losers is long when it comes to the loss of Tampa Bay Lightning scoring sensation Steven Stamkos to a broken right tibia Monday.

There’s the first-place Lightning, who will be without one of the league’s most dangerous offensive players (tied for the goal-scoring and points lead); the NHL, which loses one of its marquee players and a guy people would pay to see; and Team Canada, which could lose one of its first-line players for the Olympics in February.

Stamkos could be out for at least three months -- and as much as six -- after breaking the weight-bearing bone in a collision with the goalpost 13 minutes into the second period of the Lightning’s 3-0 loss to the Bruins in Boston.

“At this point Steven will be out indefinitely,” said Bolts general manager Steve Yzerman said in a statement. “The medical staff in Boston, in consultation with our team physicians, has made the decision to surgically repair the injury. The procedure is expected to take place (Tuesday) morning. The biggest concern for me, and the rest of the Lightning, is that decisions are made in Steven’s best long-term interest, and we feel this is the appropriate course of action.”

Team Canada’s first game at the Olympics is Feb. 13 against Norway, which is 94 days after Stamkos’ scheduled surgery Tuesday. His participation in the Olympics at this point would seem unlikely, but recovery rates can vary wildly depending on the individual.

It’s still not clear what the injury-replacement protocol will be for the Olympic tournament. At the 2010 Games, the participation of Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Getzlaf was questionable because of a sprained ankle. Forward Jeff Carter, then of the Philadephia Flyers, flew to Vancouver and was available as a last-minute replacement if Getzlaf couldn’t go.

It’s likely Hockey Canada will name Stamkos to the roster when it is announced between Christmas and New Year’s Eve and potentially replace him with a substitute if it becomes evident he is unable to play.

Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock, who holds the same position with Team Canada, told reporters at the Hockey Hall of Fame ceremony Stamkos would be named to the roster and they would worry about replacing him, if needed, down the road.

Stamkos was tied for the league-league with Alex Steen of the St. Louis Blues in goals with 14 in 17 games and with Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh penguins in points with 23.

chris.stevenson@sunmedia.ca

twitter.com/CJ_Stevenson