24-year-old Nick Perbix is expected to make his NHL debut for the Tampa Bay Lightning in their opener Tuesday night against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Perbix was recalled yesterday from the Syracuse Crunch after playing the first two games of the season in the AHL.
We have recalled defenseman Nick Perbix from the @SyracuseCrunch.https://t.co/pTQroGoU3W
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) October 17, 2022
Perbix led the stretches at this morning’s skate, often a sign that a debut is ahead.
Stick taps for Nick Perbix, who is in the middle of the circle for morning skate stretch. Likely to make his NHL debuted tonight in #GoBolts home opener. pic.twitter.com/rUJUx9NV1e
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) October 18, 2022
Many fans may remember Perbix’ name for representing the Lightning organization in the Winter Olympic Games this past year with Team USA. With the NHL not participating in the games, it provided Perbix with the opportunity to compete on the Olympic stage in the middle of his fourth season at St. Cloud State.
Prior to Tuesday, Perbix had played just 14 games professionally, all at the AHL level. Whether or not he sticks for the long haul this season remains to be seen.
Perbix making his debut is also part of a shuffling of the deck on the back end for Tampa Bay. In addition to his debut, Ian Cole is also expected to make his Lightning debut after being re-instated from suspension.
Cole has been skating with Cal Foote after Erik Cernak has been bumped up to playing on the top pair with Victor Hedman. We can also expect to see Perbix paired with Mikhail Sergachev at least to start with.
a look at the lines and the D pairings:
Hagel – Point – Kucherov
Paul – Stamkos – Killorn
Colton – Namestnikov – Perry
Koepke – Bellemare – MaroonHedman – Cernak
Sergachev – Perbix
Cole – FooteFleury – Bogosian
Could Nick Perbix be making his NHL debut tonight? 👀
— Gabby Shirley (@Gabby_Shirley_) October 18, 2022
Additionally, with Perbix and Cole in, Haydn Fleury and Phil Myers will be coming out of the lineup.