TAMPA, FL – The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-assigned defenseman Max Crozier and forwards Mitchell Chaffee and Waltteri Merelä to the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League, vice president and general manager Julien BriseBois announced today.
Crozier, 23, has skated in seven games with the Lightning this season, recording two assists while averaging 14:30 time on ice. A native of Calgary, Alberta, Crozier leads Crunch rookie defensemen in goals (1), assists (6), points (7) and plus-minus (+6).
Chaffee, 26, appeared in three games with the Lightning this season and recorded the first goal and assist of his NHL career on January 25 vs. Arizona. Chaffee ranks tied for first in goals (11) among all Crunch skaters, while his 25 points rank fourth.
Merelä, 25, has seen action in 19 games with the Lighting during the 2023-24 season and recorded his first NHL goal on January 18 vs. Minnesota. The Ylojarvi, Finland native ranks eighth in scoring (6-10—16) among Crunch forwards in 23 games played.
