Lightning Recall Scott Sabourin And Steven Santini

Tampa Bay and Florida have played some particularly physical games in recent memory.  With the next matchup slated for tonight, the Lightning have brought up some extra grit, announcing the recalls of winger Scott Sabourin and defenseman Steven Santini from AHL Syracuse.

Sabourin has only played in seven games with Tampa Bay this season despite several recalls.  Three of those have come against the Panthers, which doesn’t include the preseason where he received a four-game suspension for an incident against Florida.  The 33-year-old has actually been somewhat productive in his limited action, picking up a goal and two assists along with 13 hits and 32 penalty minutes despite averaging just 9:17 per night of playing time.

Sabourin is on a one-year, two-way deal with Tampa Bay and has spent the bulk of the year with the Crunch.  In 20 games with them, he has six goals and two assists, putting him on pace for double-digit goals in the minors for what would be the fourth straight season.

As for Santini, he has suited up eight times for the Lightning so far in 2025-26, his highest NHL games played total since the 2018-19 campaign.  The 30-year-old has one assist to his name so far this season along with six hits while averaging 12:01 per night.

The veteran is in the first season of a two-year, two-way deal signed back in June and has also spent the majority of the year in Syracuse.  In 18 games with the Crunch so far, Santini has five assists.

Santini may take the place of veteran Ryan McDonagh in the lineup tonight.  Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times relayed (Twitter link) that the veteran did not take part in today’s morning skate and has re-aggravated his previous injury.  Head coach Jon Cooper listed McDonagh as out day-to-day.

The team had two open roster spots so no further roster movement was necessary to add the two and their roster now sits at the maximum of 23 players.