Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune is reporting [9] that the Tampa Bay Lightning have returned five prospect invitees to the their respective junior squads.
Goaltender Michael Zador [10] was returned to Oshawa (OHL), while forwards Matias Sointu [11], Alex Hutchings [12], and Kyle DeCoste [13] were returned to their OHL clubs in Ottawa, Barrie, and Sault Ste. Marie, respectively. Technically, DeCoste never participated in the Lightning training camp, having been excused last weekend due to a death in the family. Hutchings, a 2009 4th round pick, drew praise from Tampa head coach Rick Tocchet who called out Hutchings as being a player he particularly liked. The Lightning also returned defenseman Mark Barberio [14] to Moncton (QMJHL), where he is expected to vie for QMJHL defenseman-of-the-year honors.
Tampa must sign DeCoste and Barberio to NHL contract before June 1, 2010 or face losing their rights to these players.