Tampa Bay Lightning Shuffle Roster, Activating Nick Paul as Victor Hedman Heads to IR

TAMPA, FL - The Tampa Bay Lightning announced a series of roster moves today, activating forward Nick Paul from Long Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) and placing defenseman Victor Hedman on Injured Reserve (IR). The roster changes come as the Lightning prepare to face the Edmonton Oilers at home.

Nick Paul, who has been sidelined since undergoing wrist surgery at the start of training camp, is set to make his season debut. The 30-year-old forward is expected to slot into the top-six, skating alongside Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point on the team's top line. "The wrist feels great," Paul told reporters after morning skate. "I've never had this before, when you're coming in 20 games into the season, so I'll take it simple to start, trust the process and go out there and just have a clear mind".

Paul's return is a welcome addition to the Lightning lineup. Last season, he recorded 22 goals and 41 points in 76 games. His presence is anticipated to boost the team's offense and provide a valuable asset on both the power play and penalty kill. Additionally, the 6-foot-4, 234-pound forward will contribute in the faceoff circle, an area where the Lightning have struggled, ranking second-to-last in the league in win percentage.

In a corresponding move, the Lightning placed star defenseman Victor Hedman on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury. Hedman has already missed the past four games and, according to head coach Jon Cooper, is expected to be out for "a couple more weeks". Cooper emphasized the importance of Hedman's long-term health, stating, "The big thing here is the longevity and having him be better in the long run".

Hedman's absence is a significant blow to the Lightning defense. The defenseman has been a cornerstone of the team for 17 seasons, amassing 12 assists in 15 games this season. His absence is particularly felt on the power play, where he quarterbacks the top unit. Without Hedman, the Lightning have struggled, going 2-for-12 on the power play in the last four games.

The Lightning have been battling injuries to key defensemen this season. Ryan McDonagh remains on IR, and Erik Černák recently missed a game due to a lower-body injury but is expected to return against the Oilers. With several key players out, Emil Martinsen Lilleberg is the only Lightning defenseman to have played in all 19 games this season.

Despite the injuries, the Lightning have maintained a 10-7-2 record, placing them fourth in the Atlantic Division. As they navigate this period, the team will rely on players like Nick Paul to step up and fill the void left by Hedman's absence.

Looking ahead, the Lightning face a challenging schedule, including key Eastern Conference matchups against the Washington Capitals, Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders, and New York Rangers. The team will need to overcome these challenges to maintain their position in the playoff race.

Coach Jon Cooper, who missed Tuesday's game against the New Jersey Devils due to personal reasons, will be back behind the bench against the Oilers. Assistant coach Jeff Halpern served as interim head coach in Cooper's absence, securing his first NHL win.