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This was unexpected, as you rarely see this kind of commitment to three players on the same day, but it was a sign that Tampa Bay fully believed in their core that brought them to three straight Stanley Cups Finals.
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING PLAYERS FREE
So, with these deals in mind, what are the Tampa Bay Lightning’s four best contracts heading into the 2022-23 season? #4: Erik Cernak – $2.95 MillionĪt the start of the 2022 free agency, the Lightning made headlines by re-signing not just one or two but all three of their restricted free agents who had one year remaining on their current contracts to eight-year deals. This has resulted in a team that features a number of contracts that would be considered below market value. Related: Tampa Bay Lightning Salary Cap Information Over the last decade, the team has had a remarkable hit rate with their contracts, as they often avoid overspending in free agency and instead opt to give their homegrown players deals that allow them to both secure the proverbial bag while still being team friendly. One aspect that can get overlooked in all of these cap shenanigans, however, is how efficient the Lightning have been when it comes to signing their players. This has included aggressively shedding salary, using draft picks to encourage teams to take on additional salary in trades, pulling unexpected starting gems from minor deals, and even skirting the line of the long-time injury reserve rule. As a team perennially pressed against the cap ceiling, the Tampa Bay Lightning have developed a reputation as a team that can get creative in order to retain their most important core players.
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