TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 4 -- The Tampa Bay Lightning Thursday traded center Steve Martins to the New York Islanders for a conditional choice in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft
Martins was replaced on the Lightning roster by right wing Nils Ekman, who was recalled from Detroit of the International Hockey League.
The 28-year-old Martins played in 20 games for Tampa Bay this season, recording one goal, one assist and 13 penalty minutes.
He also played in eight IHL games for Detroit and recently was named IHL Player of the Week.
Ekman, 24, has recorded 20 goals and 33 points in 29 games for the Vipers this season and was selected to play in the IHL All-Star Game for the second straight season. The Swedish-born Ekman played in four games with the Lightning this season and recorded one assist.
