The Tampa Bay Lightning announced it has reassigned defenseman David Hale to AHL Norfolk on a conditioning assignment. The assignments usually last two weeks.

Hale, acquired during the summer from the Coyotes in the Radim Vrbata deal, has played just two games in January. He has four assists and is an even plus-minus in 35 games on the season.

Here is the announcement from the team:

The Tampa Bay Lightning have assigned defenseman David Hale to the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League on a conditioning assignment today, Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Lawton announced.
Hale, 6-foot-1, 218 pounds, has played in 35 games with the Lightning this season, recording four assists.  He is second on the Lightning among defensemen with an even plus/minus rating and is third in hits with 52.  He has played in two games during the month of January.

A native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Hale has played in 298 NHL games with Tampa Bay, the Phoenix Coyotes, Calgary Flames and the New Jersey Devils, recording three goals and 24 points.  He has played in 17 career Stanley Cup Playoff games, recording two assists.  Hale went directly from the University of North Dakota, where he played in 104 games with 10 goals and 26 points, to the NHL where he played in 65 games with New Jersey in 2003-04.

Hale was drafted by New Jersey in the first round, 22nd overall, of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.  He was acquired by the Lightning with Todd Fedoruk from Phoenix in exchange for Radim Vrbata on July 21, 2009.

In other tidbits from Tuesday's practice, coach Rick Tocchet confirmed that Antero Niittymaki will make his seventh straight start. Mike Smith will be on the bench as backup. Stephane Veilleux (leg) skated, though it was unclear if he will play.