Lightning Sign Michael Vernace to One-Year Deal

The Tampa bay Lightning announced on Monday that they have signed defenseman Michael Vernace to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a Group Six unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 10 games this past season with the Lightning, he had one assist. He also appeared in 68 games with Norfolk of the AHL, scoring seven goals and 21 assists for 28 points. This is really just a depth signing for the Lightning, as Vernace will likely spend much of next season in the minors. If he does see any time with Tampa Bay, it will be in the event of an injury to one of their regular defensemen.