The Tampa Bay Lightning expect superstar forward Steven Stamkos to miss approximately four months following successful knee surgery, the team announced Thursday.

TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reported earlier Thursday that this type of injury has a "best-case recovery timeline" of four months and could last up to six months.

The Lightning announced Wednesday that Stamkos is out indefinitely with a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee.

Stamkos was injured in a collision along the boards in the first period of the team's 4-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings Tuesday.

Through 17 games this season, Stamkos has nine goals and 11 assists.

Last April, Stamkos had surgery to remove a blood clot near his right collarbone, causing him to miss all but Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Pitsburgh Penguins.

In November of 2013, Stamkos required surgery to repair a broken leg that likely cost him a chance to represent Canada at the Sochi Olympics.