Lightning Claim Defenseman Murphy Off Waivers from Panthers

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced on Monday that they have claimed defenseman Cory Murphy off re-entry waivers from the Florida Panthers. Murphy recently returned from a shoulder injury that put him out of action for 30 games. In eight games so far this season with both the Panthers and Lightning, he has two assists. Last season with the Panthers, also his first in the NHL, Murphy played in 47 games, scoring two goals and 15 assists for 17 points. In recent weeks, he had slipped down the depth chart of the Panthers defense and it was rumored the team was going to place him on waivers. Murphy will be a decent addition to the Lightning lineup. Not only will he provide depth and some offensive experience to the Lightning's young defense, he's an affordable addition since he was claimed off re-entry waivers and the team is only responsible for half of his remaining salary this season.