TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today they have signed veteran defenseman Steven Santini to a two-year, two-way contract, according to Julien BriseBois, Vice President and General Manager.
Santini, 30, spent the majority of the recently concluded season with the Syracuse Crunch, the Lightning’s American Hockey League affiliate. In 58 games, he recorded six goals and 17 points, ranking third among Crunch defensemen in points and tying for third in both goals and assists.
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He also posted a solid plus-10 rating. During the Calder Cup Playoffs, Santini contributed one assist in three appearances for Syracuse. His extensive AHL career spans 361 games, where he has accumulated 21 goals and 87 points, along with an impressive plus-56 rating and 186 penalty minutes.
A Bronxville, New York native, Santini made one appearance for the Lightning during the 2024-25 season, logging 11:37 of ice time with one hit and two blocked shots in an 8-3 victory over Calgary on December 12.
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The 6-foot-3, 214-pound blueliner brings a wealth of NHL experience, having played in 124 career games across stints with the Lightning, New Jersey Devils, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues. Over his NHL career, Santini has tallied five goals and 23 points, averaging 17:10 of time on ice.
Santini was originally selected by the New Jersey Devils as the 42nd overall pick in the second round of the 2013 NHL Draft. His signing provides the Lightning with additional depth and experience on their defensive corps as they look ahead to the upcoming seasons.
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