The Tampa Bay Lightning lost their first game of the season to the New York Rangers and won’t return for their home opener until Tuesday. In the meantime, they’ve made an addition to the roster, recalling Trevor Carrick from the Syracuse Crunch to join them on the road.
With Ian Cole currently suspended, the team had been carrying just six defenders through the first few days of the season, risking playing down if anyone suffered an injury. Carrick’s addition will give them some depth at the position, though it is unclear if he’s actually needed to play. All six seemed healthy as they took part in practice yesterday, even as the forward group was jumbled up with Brandon Hagel moving to the top line.
Carrick, 28, is the kind of minor league veteran that is perfect to recall in these situations given how much experience he has in pro hockey. Originally a fourth-round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes in 2012, he’s spent eight seasons in the minor leagues, playing just seven games in the NHL over that span. Last year, with the San Diego Gulls of the AHL, Carrick had 10 goals and 30 points in 61 games.
The Lightning will take on the Columbus Blue Jackets this evening.