Lightning partner with Panthers to offer use of AHL affiliate Crunch Syracuse's roster will feature players from both Tampa Bay and Florida this season by Press Release @TBLightning / TampaBayLightning.com SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Tampa Bay Lightning have partnered with the Florida Panthers to offer use of American Hockey League affiliate Syracuse Crunch for the 2020-21 season, Lightning General Manager Julien BriseBois and Panthers General Manager Bill Zito jointly announced today. As part of the partnership, the Panthers will have the ability to assign players to the Crunch to train, practice and play. Florida's AHL affiliate Charlotte Checkers opted out of the 2020-21 season following safety and logistical concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Crunch coaching and support staff will remain intact, led by Head Coach Ben Groulx.