Gage Goncalves’ first NHL stint of the season was a short-lived one. The Lightning announced today that they’ve reassigned the forward to AHL Syracuse.
The 23-year-old was recalled earlier this week and got into two games with Tampa Bay. He was held off the scoresheet in those outings while logging a little over ten minutes per game. Goncalves had a big year offensively with the Crunch last season, collecting 58 points in 69 games and was off to a good start prior to his recall this year, notching four assists and four appearances thus far.
While Goncalves was recalled to take Brayden Point’s spot in the lineup due to his lower-body injury, this assignment shouldn’t be interpreted as Point being ready to return yet; he didn’t participate in practice today. However, Tampa Bay is off until Thursday so this assignment will free up a bit more cap space at a minimum while giving Goncalves a chance to play with the Crunch. If Point isn’t ready to return by Thursday’s game, Goncalves will probably be promoted once again.