What a few days for the Lightning and general manager Steve Yzerman.
After re-signing Steven Stamkos just two days before he became an unrestricted free agent, the team was also able to extend franchise defenceman Victor Hedman for eight years. Tampa Bay announced on Friday the deal would be worth $63 million, or $7.875 million against the salary cap.
The 25-year-old Hedman was the second overall selection of the 2009 NHL Draft behind John Tavares. Hedman would have been eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Hedman scored 10 goals and 47 points in 78 games for the Lightning this past season. The 6-foot-6, 223-pound blueliner finished seventh in Norris Trophy voting.
July 1, 2016