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Lightning claim Mike Kostka off of waivers

Chicago Blackhawks v New York Islanders

UNIONDALE, NY - JANUARY 02: Mike Kostka #6 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on January 2, 2014 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders defeated the Blackhawks 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Bruce Bennett

Steve Yzerman might have stepped down as executive director of Team Canada after leading the nation to its second straight gold medal, but he’s still got plenty of work ahead of him with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Chicago Blackhawks have lost defenseman Mike Kostka as he was claimed off of waivers by the Lightning, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.

Kostka had two goals and three points in nine games with Chicago in 2013-14. He averaged 14:26 minutes of ice time, but was used heavily with the man advantage when he did play.

At the AHL level, Kostka has developed into a top-tier offensive defenseman, but the 28-year-old has just 44 games worth of NHL experience.

He is signed to a one-year, two-way contract and is owed $325,000 annually even at the minor league level.

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