from Joe Smith at Lightning Strikes,

Lightning star Steven Stamkos shed his red jersey in favor of a yellow one for Saturday's morning skate, signaling he's been cleared for light contact.

Stamkos, who suffered a broken right tibia Nov. 11, had hoped he'd be able to take the next step in his rehab after a Thursday x-ray was encouraging. And Stamkos appeared to enjoy his new status, playfully shoving teammate Marty St. Louis near the boards Saturday morning, even knocking the captain to the ice.

Stamkos' goal is to return for one of the Lightning's home games (Feb. 6, Feb. 8) before the Olympic break. But coach Jon Cooper tempered the excitement over the color of the All-Star's jersey, saying Stamkos is "a ways away" from being cleared to play.

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