Flames Acquire Blair Jones from Lightning for Brendan Mikkelson

The Calgary Flames announced today that they have acquired center Blair Jones from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for defenseman Brendan Mikkelson. In 22 games this season with the Lightning, Jones has two goals and two assists for four points. He also appeared in five games with Norfolk of the AHL, scoring two goals and two assists for four points. In 33 games this season with Abbotsford of the AHL, Mikkelson has three goals and 12 assists for 15 points. He has not appeared in an NHL game so far this season. This is really just a depth move for both teams. Jones will give the Flames some depth on their checking lines, while Mikkelson gives the Lightning organization some depth on defense. More than likely, he will play on the third defensive pairing if he sees any NHL action this season.

Lightning Sign Blair Jones to One-Year Contract

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced on Friday that they have signed center Blair Jones to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 18 games last season with the Lightning, he had one goal and two assists for three points. He also appeared in 56 games with Norfolk of the AHL, scoring 24 goals and 31 assists for 55 points and 75 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth signing for the Lightning, as Jones has a little offensive skill and plays with some toughness. He will likely spend a good chunk of next season in the minors, but could see some time with Tampa Bay if injuries start to mount.

Lightning Re-Sign Jones, Thompson, Szczechura

The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced that they have re-signed centers Blair Jones and Paul Szczechura to one-year contracts. The team also announced that they have avoided arbitration with left wing Nate Thompson and re-signed him to a one-year deal. The financial terms of all three contracts were not disclosed. These aren't bad depth signings for the Lightning. Jones has some offensive upside and can play a physical game when he needs to. Thompson plays with lots of energy and brings plenty of grit and toughness to the lineup. Szczechura has a little offensive skill and is good on the faceoff. Thompson and Szczechura will likely play fourth line roles on the team next season, whereas Jones may have to fight for a roster spot at training camp.

Lightning Re-Sign Forwards Jones and Tukonen

The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced that they have re-signed center Blair Jones and right wing Lauri Tukonen to new contracts. Exact length and financial terms of their contracts were not disclosed. Jones did not appear in any NHL games last season, instead playing in 80 games with the Lightning’s AHL affiliate in Norfolk, scoring 20 goals and 34 assists for 54 points. Tukonen appeared in 35 games last season with Lukko and Ilves of the Finnish League, scoring eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points. The Lightning acquired the Finnish forward from the Dallas Stars last November in exchange for defenseman Andrew Hutchinson. These aren’t bad depth signings for the Lightning. Jones has the potential to become a top-nine scoring forward and could possibly make the team next season. If he does, he will likely center the third or fourth line. Tukonen doesn’t have bad offensive skill and could be a fourth line forward next season if he makes the Lightning.