According to TSN.ca, the Lightning and RFA Steve Downie have agreed on a 2-year contract worth $3.7 million.
A few weeks back, Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said that Steve Downie is a big part of the future of the Lightning, so much so that he said locking him up to a long-term or a multi-year deal was his new priority. Yzerman said that he had contacted Downie’s agent, Rick Curran to get the ball rolling.
Downie had a breakout season last year, netting 22 goals and adding 24 helpers for 46 points in 79 games.
There has been no official announcement from the Lightning on Downie’s signing, though it should be forthcoming.
With Downie signed, Martin Karsums and Paul Ranger are the lone players still unsigned for the coming season. Karsums was acquired by the Lightning from Boston in the Mark Recchi deal and spent time in the KHL this past season. He is expected to stay with Dynamo Riga (KHL).
Yzerman said he spoke to Paul Ranger but does not know if he wants to play this season. Ranger missed most of last season because of personal issues. Ranger "is not prepared to make a decision one way or another," Yzerman said.
For more info: Tampa Bay Lightning, Steve Downie
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