Overview
- Team reporter Benjamin Pierce announced James had lower-body surgery with an eight- to ten-week recovery window.
- Tampa Bay recalled prospect Conor Geekie after the update; the 21-year-old logged an NHL game Monday and has 51 points in 47 AHL appearances.
- Gage Goncalves is day-to-day with a lower-body injury, and Nick Paul remains on long-term injured reserve, further straining forward depth.
- James was injured on Feb. 28 in a 6–2 loss to Buffalo after contact with Michael Kesselring, leaving him unable to put weight on his leg.
- With the March 6 NHL trade deadline approaching, coverage indicates the Lightning are evaluating depth additions as James could miss the rest of the regular season.