The Tampa Bay Lightning have recalled defenseman Slater Koekkoek from the Syracuse Crunch as insurance because of Victor Hedman‘s unknown injury. Hedman is officially listed as day-to-day. This is Koekkoek’s first NHL call-up.
Here is the release from the team:
TAMPA BAY â The Tampa Bay Lightning have recalled defenseman Slater Koekkoek from the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League today, vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman announced.
Koekkoek, 21, has skated in 66 games with the Crunch this season, posting five goals and 24 points to go along with 40 penalty minutes. He leads all Syracuse defensemen for assists (19) and points. The Mountain, Ontario native also ranks tied for fifth among AHL rookie defensemen for points. Koekkoek made his professional debut on October 12, 2014 against Hartford.
The 6-foot-2, 197-pound defenseman skated in 195 career Ontario Hockey League games over four seasons, recording 33 goals and 123 points. Koekkoek set career highs for goals (15), assists (38) and points (53) in his final OHL season in 2013-14 with the Windsor Spitfires.
Koekkoek was originally selected by Tampa Bay in the first round, 10th overall, at the 2012 NHL Draft.
#TBLightning has recalled Slater Koekkoek from Syracuse
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) March 31, 2015
Koekkoek, the 10th overall pick in 2012, is in his first pro season. Gives insurance with Hedman injury
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) March 31, 2015
Koekkoek had five goals and 19 assists for @SyracuseCrunch. Call up must be gratifying moment considering the surgeries on both shoulders
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) March 31, 2015
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