NHL Player News

Halverson will start at home versus the Rangers on Wednesday, Lightning reporter Gabby Shirley reports.

Halverson will get the nod after Andrei Vasilevskiy was initially expected to start. This is unlikely to be an injury-related issue -- Halverson is up with the team because Jonas Johansson (undisclosed) is unavailable. Halverson made a brief relief appearance Dec. 13 versus the Islanders but has otherwise spent the bulk of the campaign in the AHL.

Ellis will start at home versus the Stars on Wednesday, Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News reports.

Ellis will get the nod in Buffalo's regular-season finale. He'll likely open the postseason as backup to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, while Alex Lyon (lower body) is on the mend. Ellis earned his first career shutout in his last start, a 37-save effort Thursday versus the Blue Jackets.

Luneau was recalled from AHL San Diego on Wednesday.

Luneau made 13 regular-season NHL appearances for the Ducks between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns, but he was sent to the minors before the start of the 2025-26 season and hasn't been called up before Wednesday. Luneau will be an option for Thursday's regular-season finale against Nashville if the Ducks intend to rest some of their key contributors ahead of the playoffs.

Geekie was reassigned to AHL Syracuse on Wednesday, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports.

Geekie saw action in 14 games for the Lightning this year, registering one goal, two assists and 10 shots while averaging 9:54 of ice time. With Geekie headed down to the minors, the club brought up Jakob Pelletier and Mitchell Chaffee for Wednesday's regular-season finale against the Rangers. Still, this likely won't be the last time Geekie shifts between levels.

Chaffee has been called up from AHL Syracuse on Wednesday, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports.

Chaffee has made 10 appearances with the Lightning this year, earning 24 hits, four blocked shots and four PIM while averaging 9:11 of ice time. He'll rejoin the NHL club ahead of Wednesday's regular-season finale against the Rangers, but he could head back to the minors afterward.

Pelletier was elevated from AHL Syracuse on Wednesday, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports.

Pelletier has appeared in four NHL games this year, recording three shots, five hits and three blocks while averaging 8:53 of ice time. While Pelletier may be pressed into service versus the Rangers on Wednesday, he is unlikely to see much in the way of minutes during the postseason.

Santini was placed on waivers by Tampa Bay on Wednesday, per Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times.

Tampa Bay will activate Max Crozier (abdomen) from long-term injured reserve in a corresponding move. Santini hasn't been in the lineup since March 28. He has an assist in 11 outings with the Lightning in 2025-26.

Eklund was reassigned to AHL Bridgeport on Wednesday.

Eklund made his NHL debut versus the Hurricanes on Tuesday, producing his first NHL point. Looking ahead to the 2026-27 campaign, Eklund should have the inside track to securing a spot on the Opening Night roster, though he could also be moved to the minors to ensure he gets minutes in a more prominent role.

Foudy was reassigned to AHL Bridgeport on Wednesday, per Andrew Gross of Newsday.

Foudy recorded one shot, one hit and one block in 11:17 of ice time in the Islanders' 2-1 loss to Carolina on Tuesday. It was his lone NHL game of 2025-26, but he's also recorded 25 goals and 46 points in 58 outings with Bridgeport this season. Foudy will shift his focus to helping Bridgeport in the upcoming Calder Cup Playoffs.

George will be reassigned to AHL Bridgeport on Wednesday, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports.

George appeared in four games for the Islanders this year, recording one assist, one hit and two shots while averaging 13:22 of ice time. While the 22-year-old blueliner hasn't secured his place on the NHL roster, he should be in the mix for a spot in the Opening Night lineup for the 2026-27 campaign.