Tampa Bay Lightning Forward Sent Down to AHL

The Tampa Bay Lightning need to free up cap space to activate Anthony Cirelli. As a result, Cole Koepke has been sent down to the Syracuse Crunch.

Koepke has played in his first 17 NHL games this season, where he has one goal and a minus-5 rating. Although the 24-year-old has not been too much of a factor offensively, his physicality allowed him to continue to get reps in Tampa's bottom six. His 32 hits show that effectively. Yet, now he is heading to Syracuse.

Koepke will now serve as a call-up option for the Lightning when injuries inevitably arise as the year continues. The Crunch will be happy to have him back in the meantime, however, as he did have 20 goals and 39 points in 69 games for them last season.