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Hedman heading back? Bolts demote Koekkoek

Lightning Camp Hockey

Defenseman Slater Koekkoek smiles during practice at the 2014 Lightning Development Camp at the Ice Sports Forum, Thursday, July 3, 2014 in Brandon, Fla. (AP Photo/The Tampa Bay Times, Douglas R. Clifford) TAMPA OUT; CITRUS COUNTY OUT; PORT CHARLOTTE OUT; BROOKSVILLE HERNANDO TODAY OUT

AP

All signs point to Victor Hedman being able to play in the next Tampa Bay Lightning game.

That’s not an official stance, mind you; instead, it’s more a matter of observation and maybe a little math.

With Nikita Nesterov suspended, you’d think the Bolts would keep Slater Koekkoek up, especially if Hedman is a toss-up. Instead, the Lightning sent the young blueliner back to the AHL on Sunday.

Such a move leaves the Lightning with six defensemen ... including Hedman, as the Tampa Bay Times’ Joe Smith notes:

The next week stands as a challenge for the 4-2-0 Lightning. They play four games on the road, all against teams from the daunting Central Division.

Having their big Swede back would be ideal, but do note that it isn’t guaranteed.