Lightning Recall Forwards and Goalie Ahead of Playoffs

Geekie and Halverson join Tampa Bay roster for first-round series against Canadiens

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:06pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, white, silver, red, and blue, representing the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens.The Lightning's roster moves ahead of the playoffs aim to provide depth and versatility as they take on the Canadiens in the first round.Today in Tampa

The Tampa Bay Lightning have recalled forward Conor Geekie and goaltender Brandon Halverson from their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, ahead of Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens. The team also reassigned forwards Mitchell Chaffee and Jakob Pelletier.

Why it matters

The Lightning are making roster moves to bolster their lineup for the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, as they look to defend their championship. Geekie and Halverson provide additional depth at forward and goaltender, respectively, as Tampa Bay aims to get off to a strong start against their Original Six opponent.

The details

The Lightning announced the roster transactions on Sunday morning, just days before their opening playoff matchup with the Canadiens. Geekie and Halverson have been playing for the Syracuse Crunch in the AHL this season and will now join the Lightning's NHL roster. Meanwhile, Chaffee and Pelletier have been reassigned back to the Crunch.

  • The Lightning made the roster moves on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Conor Geekie

A forward who has been playing for the Lightning's AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, this season.

Brandon Halverson

A goaltender who has been playing for the Syracuse Crunch in the AHL this season.

Mitchell Chaffee

A forward who has been reassigned by the Lightning to their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch.

Jakob Pelletier

A forward who has been reassigned by the Lightning to their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch.

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What’s next

The Lightning will face the Canadiens in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

The takeaway

The Lightning are making strategic roster moves to bolster their lineup ahead of the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, as they look to defend their championship and advance deep into the postseason.