The Tampa Bay Lightning have made significant changes to their roster, announcing the recall of two players and the reassignment of three others. This move by Vice President and General Manager Julien BriseBois is aimed at optimizing the team’s performance as the season progresses.
Key Roster Changes by the Lightning
Recalled Players
- Conor Geekie – Forward
- Brandon Halverson – Goaltender
Assigned Players
- Mitchell Chaffee – Forward
- Jakob Pelletier – Forward
- Steven Santini – Defenseman
Player Profiles
Conor Geekie
At 21 years old, Geekie has been a standout for the Syracuse Crunch this season. In 57 games, he has netted 17 goals and amassed 59 points, contributing significantly with seven power-play goals. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 212 pounds, he has also played 14 games this season with the Lightning, scoring one goal and recording three points.
Geekie hails from Strathclair, Manitoba, and was originally drafted by the Arizona Coyotes. Tampa Bay acquired him on June 29, 2024, after he was picked 11th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Brandon Halverson
The 30-year-old goaltender has had a stellar season with Syracuse, boasting a record of 24 wins, 11 losses, and 6 overtime losses in 43 games. Halverson leads the AHL with six shutouts and ranks fifth in total wins. His save percentage of .905 and goals-against average of 2.42 highlight his abilities in net.
Originally drafted by the New York Rangers in 2014, Halverson joined Tampa Bay on February 3, 2025. He has appeared in 152 career AHL games, proving himself with 71 victories.
Mitchell Chaffee
Chaffee, a 28-year-old forward from Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been productive with Syracuse, scoring 24 goals and totaling 57 points in 54 games. He ranks third for goals and fourth for points on his team. After going undrafted, he was signed by the Lightning on July 1, 2023.
Jakob Pelletier
Pelleiter, 25, has showcased exceptional talent with 28 goals and 77 points in 63 appearances. He leads the AHL in scoring and boasts five shorthanded goals to share the league lead. Drafted by the Calgary Flames in the first round of 2019, Pelletier signed with the Lightning as a free agent on July 2, 2025.
Steven Santini
The 31-year-old captain from Bronxville, New York, has played 33 games for Syracuse, recording six assists and maintaining a plus-10 rating. Across his career, Santini has competed in 394 AHL games and has been a reliable defenseman for multiple teams. He was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 2013 and joined Tampa Bay on July 1, 2024.
These roster changes highlight the Lightning’s commitment to strengthening their lineup as they continue their season in pursuit of success.
