Waltteri Merela - NHL News & Rumors | FOX Sports

Headed to Switzerland Merela signed a one-year contract with SC Bern of Switzerland's National League on Monday, per Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times.

Impact Merela is eligible for restricted free agency in July, so Tampa Bay could retain his NHL rights by extending a qualifying offer. The 25-year-old forward produced one goal, 17 shots and 32 hits in 19 regular-season appearances with the Lightning during the 2023-24 campaign. Merela also registered 15 goals and 34 points across 55 regular-season outings for AHL Syracuse this past season before adding three goals in eight playoff contests.

JUNE 10 • ROTOWIRE

Sent back to Syracuse Merela was reassigned to AHL Syracuse on Sunday.

Impact With the Lightning off until Feb. 7, Merela will return to Syracuse after playing 19 games in the NHL, scoring a goal while averaging 9:49 minutes in a fourth-line role. The rookie winger could return to Tampa following the break if Tanner Jeannot (lower body) and Austin Watson (lower body) remain unavailable.

JANUARY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Recalled from AHL affiliate Merela was promoted from AHL Syracuse on Tuesday.

Impact Merela has drawn into 14 games with the Lightning this season, going scoreless while averaging 10:35 of ice time over that span. He's fared far better in the minors, totaling 16 points through 23 games with Syracuse.

JANUARY 16 • ROTOWIRE

Reassigned to minors Merela was demoted to AHL Syracuse on Friday.

Impact The decision to send Merela back to the minors could be an indication that Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed) will be cleared to face Edmonton on Saturday. For his part, the 25-year-old Merela has yet to secure his first NHL point despite 14 appearances this season in which he averaged 10:35 of ice time.

NOVEMBER 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Summoned to NHL Merela was recalled from AHL Syracuse on Wednesday.

Impact Merela is back with the Lightning after being reassigned Sunday. He has no points, four PIM, 10 hits and three blocks in 10 appearances with Tampa Bay this season.

NOVEMBER 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Lightning finalize opening-night roster, which has several new faces Waltteri Merela and Austin Watson are two of 11 players on the roster who weren’t with Tampa Bay this time a year ago.

OCTOBER 9, 2023 • ORLANDOSENTINEL.COM