Once again the Tampa Bay Lightning re-assigned Max Crozier to the Syracuse Crunch as general manager Julien BriseBois tries to squeeze as much cap room as possible with the season rambling on to the trade deadline. With Erik Cernak returning in the game against Detroit, it is possible that Crozier actually has to get onto an airplane at some point and head to Syracuse, but the Lightning may wait until they hear from the league office in regards to Emil Lilleberg’s status.
If Lilleberg is suspended for a game or two, the Lightning could flip Corzier for Declan Carlile, or keep Crozier up, and move Nick Perbix over to the left side. If Lilleberg gets off with just a fine, then Crozier likely joins the Crunch for their games this weekend.
Lightning News
Emil Lilleberg to have hearing for hit on JT Compher [Raw Charge]
Two games seems right. Wouldn’t be surprised if it was more, though.
Lightning’s January grind has been a physical and mental test [Tampa Bay Times]
Yeah, the 3-9-0 record against the Atlantic has not been pretty this season. Going 2-4-0 this month, given that a couple of those were games-in-hand, is a big reason why the Bolts are in a wild card spot right now. The good news is that the toughest month of the season is behind them.
Hockey News
Ten worst trades of the last quarter century [Daily FaceOff]
We know what you’re thinking before you click on that link. Where does the Tanner Jeannot deal rank? How about nowhere. It didn’t even make the honorable mention. Ryan McDonagh’s name does pop up, though.
Alex Pietrangelo withdraws from 4 Nations Face-Off [Knights on Ice]
Team Canada will be looking to make a roster move as the Vegas defenseman pulls out of the competition to “tend to an ailment and prepare for the remainder of the regular season”. Something to keep an eye on as we head closer to the tournament starting will be how many minor “ailments” come up.
NHL lottery odds. [Daily FaceOff]
This year’s draft will have a lot more suspense than last year’s. There is no consensus number one at this point with James Hagens, Michael Misha, Porter Matrone, and Matthew Scherfer all emerging as potential first over picks. As of right now, the San Jose Sharks have the best odds to be the first team to call a name, but Chicago has been struggling quite a bit of late.
Rangers sign Will Borgen to five-year extension [Blue Shirt Banter]
The 27 year-old was acquired for Kaapo Kakko back when the Rangers were kind of blowing up their roster. Now he’s going to be a key piece for them moving forward. Good for him!
NHL Trade Deadline Tiers [The Athletic]
Absolutely no surprise that depth scoring is the “need” The Athletic identified for the Lightning (who are listed as buyers). Getting some help for Nick Paul is how they phrased it, and that pretty much hits it right on the head.
Rookie All-Star Team [NHL.com]
The league puts together a pretty nice all-rookie, all-star team highlighted by Macklin Celebrini and Dustin Wolf. Nolan Allen from Chicago was a bit of a surprise, though.
