Defenseman Paul Ranger (54) of the Tampa Bay Lightning has requested and received personal leave from the team. (Image via www.cbc.ca )

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Defenseman Paul Ranger has requested and has been granted personal leave from the Tampa Bay Lightning.  Reasons behind why Ranger had requested leave from the team remains unclear at this juncture, and for the sake of privacy -- we're not even going to speculate. 

From the team's release on the matter:

"Before Saturday’s morning skate for the Buffalo game, Paul indicated to coach Rick Tocchet that he and the team might be better served if he took a personal leave," Lawton said upon making the announcement. "After some internal consultation and further discussions with Paul, we agreed with him on both fronts and intend on allowing him the personal time he needs. There will be no further comment from the Lightning or our players and coaches on this matter and we ask that everyone please respect Paul’s privacy at this time."

Ranger has played in eight  of Tampa Bay's nine games this season, notching a goal and an assist.  He has a -2 plus/minus and has averaged 20:19 of ice time per-game.  Only Mattias Ohlund and Victor Hedman average more time on ice among defensemen for the Bolts.