Tampa Bay Lightning adjust roster, reassigning Duke, Goncalves, and Halverson to the Syracuse Crunch for further development.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced the reassignment of forwards Dylan Duke, Gage Goncalves, and goaltender Brandon Halverson to the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch. These moves come during a break in NHL action due to the 4 Nations Face-Off, providing players with an opportunity to gain more ice time in the minors.
While Duke, Goncalves, and Halverson are headed to Syracuse, Goncalves will likely be the first to return when Tampa Bay resumes its schedule against the Kraken on February 23. Halverson was filling in for injured backup Jonas Johansson, who is expected to recover from a lower-body injury before play resumes.
Duke, 21, made his NHL debut in Tampa Bay’s last two games before the break, scoring his first career goal against the Red Wings on Saturday. The University of Michigan alum showed promise despite limited minutes, skating just 15:43 across both games. A 2021 fourth-round pick, Duke has been a standout in the AHL this season, leading Syracuse with 13 goals in 36 games. Known for his physical play and adaptability, he’s shaping up to be a strong depth option for the Lightning and will likely see more call-ups this season as he works toward earning a permanent spot on the roster.
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Goncalves, 24, has had a challenging season in the NHL, recording just one goal and six assists in 33 games. Despite these struggles, he’s been exceptional in the AHL, tallying 14 points in only 11 games this season after a stellar 58-point campaign last year. The 2020 second-round pick will benefit from more ice time in Syracuse, where he can refine his game and rebuild his confidence for another NHL stint.
Halverson, 28, recently signed a two-way deal with Tampa Bay to provide depth during Johansson’s absence. Although he hasn’t played an NHL game this season, he has been solid for the Crunch, posting a .918 save percentage, a 2.20 goals-against average, and four shutouts in 26 appearances. His experience and strong performances in the minors make him a reliable option for future emergencies. These reassignments reflect the Lightning’s commitment to player development during the break, ensuring their prospects continue to grow and stay game-ready for NHL action.
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