The Tampa Bay Lightning have reassigned forward Richard Panik to AHL Syracuse.
Panik has two goals and 11 points in 39 games, but the 22-year-old’s ice time has fallen since the beginning of December. For the past two games, he’s been a healthy scratch.
Meanwhile, Steven Stamkos (leg) hopes to take some light contact in Saturday’s skate, according to the Tampa Bay Times:
Stamkos, who suffered the injury Nov. 11, said the 10-week x-ray taken Thursday night was encouraging, and if everything continues to progress, he may be able to play in one of the Lightning’s two home games (Feb. 6, Feb. 8) before the Olympic break. Stamkos has worn a red non-contact jersey during the team’s practices the past week, but could start getting pushed more physically in Saturday’s skate, with a key how his leg responds.
The Lightning host Colorado tomorrow.