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Steven Stamkos cleared to play Thursday vs. Sabres

Whether Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman deals Martin St. Louis before Wednesday's 3 p.m. ET deadline, or makes another move, his acquisition of a 60-goal scorer will be one of the biggest moves of the day.

Almost four months after breaking his leg during a game, Steven Stamkos underwent a final evaluation and given the OK to return Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres.

Stamkos began skating in December, just a little over a month after the injury. He had to pull out of Team Canada's lineup right before the Olympics, citing his doctor being uncomfortable in allowing him to play.

The Lightning didn't fall apart after Stamkos' injury and currently sit third in the Atlantic Division, thanks to the Vezina Trophy-worthy play of Ben Bishop.

St. Louis' name has been linked again with the New York Rangers as the trade deadline approaches. Could Stamkos play a big role in mending the fences between the team's captain and general manager?

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Sean Leahy

is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!