Lightning Sign Victor Hedman to Five-Year Extension

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that they have signed defenseman Victor Hedman to a five-year contract extension worth $20 million. The deal will average out to $4 million per season. He would have been eligible for restricted free agency at the end of this season. In 20 games so far this season, he has two goals and a minus-5 rating. This is a great signing for the Lightning, as Hedman has the potential to become an elite defenseman at the NHL level. He is a great skater, is developing some excellent shutdown skills, and has lots of offensive potential. While he hasn't put up a lot of points thus far in his NHL career, defensemen do take a little more time to develop than forwards, and within a few years, Hedman will likely be starting to play up to his potential and will be a bargain at $4 million.