Smooth skating defenseman Slater Koekkoek was recalled from AHL Syracuse today.
Koekkoek has already been recalled and reassigned once this season by the Lightning but hasn’t been able to crack the lineup yet. Koekkoek has played in 12 NHL games, earning an assist. The 22 year old has registered 43 points in 137 AHL games.
Veteran defenseman Matt Taormina was sent down to open a roster spot for Koekkoek.
Beat writer Joe Smith reminds us:
The Lightning has lost three consecutive games, and giving up so many odd-man rushes and breakaways are a big reason why. With Koekkoek, Tampa Bay could go with seven defensemen, or Koekkoek could take a spot in the lineup at times from Nikita Nesterov. Koekkoek appeared in 10 playoff games last summer, a minus-1, with coaches trusting him in key situations.
Koekkoek, a left-shot and gifted skater, should get his much-awaited opportunity.
(Feature Photo/Christine Gunn)
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