The Tampa Bay Lightning will definitely welcome one new face and one familiar face may return when they take on the Winnipeg Jets to ring in 2017.
Adam Erne, the Lightning’s second-round draft pick from 2012, was recalled Sunday after Brian Boyle’s injury the night before. After the morning skate, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times tweeted the news from head coach Jon Cooper.
Cooper said Erne making debut. Callahan probable
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) January 3, 2017
Here’s how Erne found out…
Erne said he found out this morning he would make NHL debut when he walked into room this morning and saw his number on the board. #Bolts
— Bryan Burns (@BBurnsNHL) January 3, 2017
How he describes it…
Erne: “I know I’ll be nervous and have butterflies… It’s something I’ve dreamed about my whole life.”
Tonight’s the night! #WPGvsTBL
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) January 3, 2017
The family who will be at Amalie tonight…
Erne excited for #NHL debut. Says parents, Erik and Tricia, will be in stands. As will brother Jason and sister Emily #tblightning
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) January 3, 2017
If Erne makes his NHL debut tonight, as Raw Charge previously wrote:
If Erne plays on Tuesday, he’ll be the 10th different player and 8th different forward to appear for the Lightning that was not on the opening night roster
Meanwhile, it seems the long-awaited absence of Ryan Callahan might be over tonight. His status is “probable” after being out since Nov. 27.
Cooper said Erne making debut. Callahan probable
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) January 3, 2017
Callahan said he’s ready to go, able to play his game #tblightning
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) January 3, 2017
In other injury updates, Cedric Paquette skated, which is a good sign. Though his return date is unknown.
Paquette skated today for first time in a while. So at least that’s progress #tblightning.
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) January 3, 2017
Check out our complete preview of tonight’s game here.
