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Lightning recall Conacher, who shot down rumors of a return to Switzerland

Tampa Bay Lightning v New Jersey Devils

NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 07: Cory Conacher #89 of the Tampa Bay Lightning in action against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on February 7, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Lightning 4-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

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The Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday recalled forward Cory Conacher from Syracuse in the American Hockey League.

The move to bring up the productive minor league forward comes with Jonathan Drouin still out day-to-day, per Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times.

Drouin hasn’t played since Tuesday, when he was on the receiving end of a massive hit from Calvin de Haan.

The Lightning play the Florida Panthers on Monday, although it has yet to be determined if Conacher will enter into the lineup.

Meanwhile, Conacher has recently shot down rumors linking him to a possible return to Switzerland.

Conacher, 26, played last season in Switzerland with Bern SC. However, with hopes of returning to the NHL, he signed a one-year, one-way deal with the Lightning this past summer.

Per Syracuse.com, it was reported that HC Lugano is apparently interested in Conacher.

“I haven’t talked to anyone from Lugano. They like to talk and start rumors,’' he told Syracuse.com. “I’m sure at some point throughout the year they’ll reach out. But as of right now, I haven’t had any contact with anyone in Switzerland, other than the fact that I keep updated with some of the guys in Bern.

“You always have to keep your options open. But right now, my mindset’s with Tampa. If I wanted to listen right now, I’d be in Switzerland. I’m doing everything I can to get back up there (Tampa Bay). I think, down the stretch, when either injuries happen or they need guys up, I’m going to be the guy that steps in and helps them win.’'

In seven games this season with the Syracuse Crunch, Conacher has eight points.