Lightning recall defenseman Matt Taormina

TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Lightning have recalled defenseman Matt Taormina from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman announced today. Additionally, the Bolts have assigned defenseman Slater Koekkoek to the Crunch.

Taormina, 29, has played in two games with Syracuse this season, posting one assist and five shots on goal. The 5-foot-9, 188-pound defenseman has played in 59 career NHL games, recording four goals and 12 points to go along with six penalty minutes. Last season, Taormina skated in three regular season games and three Stanley Cup playoff games with the Bolts.
Koekkoek, 22, has skated in 12 career NHL games, all with the Lightning over the previous two seasons, posting one assist. The 6-foot-2, 193-pound defenseman has appeared in 132 career AHL games with Syracuse, recording 10 goals and 41 points to go along with 70 penalty minutes. Last season, Koekkoek notched five goals and 15 points in 60 games with the Crunch.