Lightning Sign Keith Aulie to One-Year Contract

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced on Saturday that they have re-signed defenseman Keith Aulie to a one-year, two-way contract.  The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.  He was acquired by the Lightning on February 27 from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forward Carter Ashton.  In 36 games last season with Toronto and Tampa Bay, he had three assists.  He also appeared in 26 games with Toronto and Norfolk of the AHL, scoring three assists.  This is a decent move for the Lightning, as Aulie will bring plenty of shutdown skill and physical play to the blueline.  More than likely, the short-term deal will be used to evaluate Aulie next season before the team considers offering him a longer contract.