The Lightning announced today that they’ve recalled right-shot defender Steven Santini from AHL Syracuse. He will step into the lineup tonight against the Blue Jackets after Erik Černák left Sunday’s wild 8-7 loss to the Sabres, falling awkwardly on his leg in a fight at the beginning of the second period, per Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times. Head coach Jon Cooper called Černák day-to-day, per Erik Erlendsson of Lightning Insider, so he isn’t in for an extended absence.
Santini, 31, has been a frequent flyer between Tampa and Syracuse this season. Today marks his fifth recall of the year, but his first since December. A veteran of nine NHL seasons, he joined the Bolts on a two-way deal in free agency in 2024 and signed a two-year extension last June, so he’s still signed through next season. A veteran all-around defender at the AHL level, his nine NHL games this season are already the most he’s played since suiting up a career-high 39 times for the Devils in 2018-19.
The 6’3″ rearguard has been adequate in a short-term support role. He’s only averaging 11:34 of ice time per game, posting an assist and a +1 rating. A physical shutdown defender during his time as a semi-frequent NHL option in New Jersey, he’s not displaying that same penchant for hitting later in his career. His possession numbers at 5-on-5 are also underwater with a 48.1% Corsi share, but he’s riding a 103.6 PDO and has gotten favorable offensive zone usage en route.
Down in Syracuse, he’s the club’s captain and has six assists and a +10 rating in 32 games. Still a high-end defensive threat in the minors, his offense is definitely trailing off. He’s had double-digit points in four straight minor-league seasons, but that streak could come to a close this year.
He was deployed in the lineup earlier this season because there were multiple occassions were the Bolts were missing three or more defenders at a time. They find themselves in a similar pinch now with Černák exiting, Emil Martinsen Lilleberg dealing with a facial fracture, and Darren Raddysh unavailable on bereavement leave following his father’s passing.
I always wonder how AHL players like the Syracuse Crunch can fly and debut the same afternoon/evening for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Are they really flying Breeze Airlines? Seems unreliable.
They do it the day before, just do not announce it until day of…
I get that but it’s still likely a 5+ hour travel day from Syracuse to Tampa Bay. There are only direct flights to Tampa on specific days of the week and the airline is low budget, Breeze Airways.
Steven Santini is manageable as a third line defender as he’ll play along side Declan Carlile tonight.
Tampa should have tried to get an extra defenseman during the trade deadline, particularly an RD. Granted, I know the trade market wasn’t a buyers one by any means. When GM Julien BriseBois settles for a rental piece in Corey Perry (which btw has been a seamless and effectively solid acquisition) then you know the market isn’t particularly good.
However, I’m sure they could have gotten someone to at least be a third liner when needed.
Lets have some fun and talk about a huge uncomfortable truth about our Lightning that nobody wants to talk about. That is Victor Hedman has lost 5 steps and has zero confidence on the ice. And he is your captain.
There must be something going on internally, as ….get ready for this…. the team is
15-14-2 when he plays and….are you ready…..
26-6-2 when he does not play
I can not be the only one that notices this.