Full Breakdown
Tampa Bay Lightning Recall Defensemen Amid Injury Concerns
11/19/2025, 5:42:26 PM
Roster Changes Due to Injuries
The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced the recall of defensemen Declan Carlile and Steven Santini from the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League (AHL). This decision comes as the team faces a series of injuries affecting their roster. Vice President and General Manager Julien BriseBois confirmed the moves, indicating the need for additional players as the Lightning prepare for their upcoming game against the New Jersey Devils.
Player Profiles
Declan Carlile, 25, has been a standout performer for the Crunch this season, leading all defensemen with 10 points, including 8 assists, and ranking first in shots with 45. He has played 15 games this season, scoring 2 goals and accumulating 27 penalty minutes. Over his AHL career, Carlile has participated in 210 games, recording 24 goals and 80 points with a plus-52 rating. He has also seen limited action in the NHL, appearing in four games for the Lightning, where he scored one goal.
Steven Santini, 30, serves as the captain of the Crunch and has played 13 games this season, contributing 4 assists and maintaining a plus-7 rating. With a total of 374 AHL games under his belt, Santini has scored 21 goals and 91 points. He has played 124 NHL games, primarily with the New Jersey Devils, and has one prior appearance with the Lightning during the 2024-25 season.
Context of the Recalls
The recalls of Carlile and Santini are seen as a response to the Lightning's ongoing injury woes. Key players such as Ryan McDonagh and Victor Hedman are currently sidelined, with McDonagh out since November 8 and Hedman missing the last two games due to an undisclosed injury. The team has also placed defenseman Maxwell Crozier on injured reserve, further necessitating the need for reinforcements from the AHL.
Official Statements & Responses
The Lightning's management has expressed optimism about the potential contributions of the recalled players. The team aims to bolster its performance, particularly as they have struggled offensively, scoring only 54 goals this season despite having one of the best scoring defenses in the Eastern Conference.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the positive outlook from the Lightning's management, some analysts have raised concerns about the team's depth and the effectiveness of the recalled players. Critics point out that Santini has not recorded a point since the 2022-23 season and that Carlile has limited NHL experience, which may hinder the team's performance in crucial games.
What's Next
The Tampa Bay Lightning will face the New Jersey Devils in their next game, where the impact of the recalled defensemen will be closely monitored. As the team navigates through its injury challenges, further roster adjustments may be necessary depending on player recoveries and performance outcomes.
