Lightning Extend Three Key Pieces and Sign Free Agents in Busy Day for Organization

The Tampa Bay Lightning have extended defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to an 8-year whopper of a deal worth $8.5M AAV.

The Bolts have signed fellow defenseman Erik Cernak to an 8 year deal as well worth $5.2M AAV.

They weren't done there. Tampa extended centerman Anthony Cirelli with an 8 year deal worth $6.25M AAV.

All three extensions will begin in the 2023-24 season.

The Bolts also have signed free agent defenseman Ian Cole to a one year deal worth $3 million. This is likely an attempt to partially cover the loss of Ryan McDonough, as Cole is a serviceable shut-down defenseman.

The Lightning are bringing back forward Vladislav Namesnikov. His deal comes in at one year $2.5 million. He had his best career year when he played alongside Nikita Kucherov during the 17-18 campaign. He posted 20 goals and 24 assists for 44 points.

This pretty much fills up all of the remaining Tampa Bay Lightning cap space. In order to resign forward Ondrej Palat or make any other significant signing, the Bolts would need to move out some money prior to the start of next season.

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