Tampa Bay Lightning Recall Two Players from Syracuse Crunch

Forwards Conor Geekie and Brandon Halverson join the NHL roster.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:33pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant blue, red, and yellow colors, representing the Tampa Bay Lightning and Syracuse Crunch organizations.The Lightning's roster moves highlight the organization's depth and commitment to developing talent within their AHL affiliate.Grand Rapids Today

The Tampa Bay Lightning have recalled forward Conor Geekie and goaltender Brandon Halverson from their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. Additionally, forwards Mitchell Chaffee and Jakob Pelletier, along with defenseman Brian Santini, have been reassigned to Syracuse.

Why it matters

The Lightning are making roster moves ahead of the NHL playoffs, calling up key players from their top minor league team to bolster their lineup. These transactions reflect the team's depth and willingness to shuffle players between the NHL and AHL as needed.

The details

Geekie, 21, has 17 goals and 59 points in 57 games with the Crunch this season. The 6-foot-4 forward has appeared in 14 NHL games with the Lightning, recording one goal and three points. Halverson, 30, has a 24-11-6 record with a .905 save percentage and 2.42 goals-against average in 43 games for Syracuse. He leads the AHL in shutouts with six.

  • The roster moves were announced on April 19, 2026.

The players

Conor Geekie

A 21-year-old forward who has spent the majority of the season with the Syracuse Crunch, Tampa Bay's AHL affiliate.

Brandon Halverson

A 30-year-old goaltender who has been a standout for the Syracuse Crunch this season, leading the AHL in shutouts.

Mitchell Chaffee

A 28-year-old forward who has been reassigned from the Lightning to the Crunch after recording 24 goals and 57 points in 54 AHL games this season.

Jakob Pelletier

A 25-year-old forward who leads the AHL in scoring with 28 goals and 77 points in 63 games for the Crunch.

Brian Santini

A 31-year-old defenseman and captain of the Syracuse Crunch, who has been reassigned from the NHL roster.

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What they’re saying

“These roster moves reflect the depth and talent we have throughout our organization. We're confident these players can contribute at the NHL level as we prepare for the playoffs.”

— Julien BriseBois, Vice President and General Manager, Tampa Bay Lightning

What’s next

The recalled players will join the Lightning's NHL roster as they gear up for the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The takeaway

The Tampa Bay Lightning's ability to seamlessly move players between their NHL and AHL rosters demonstrates the organization's commitment to developing talent and maintaining a competitive edge at both levels.