Jan 3, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning center Tyler Johnson (9) shoot the puck against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
One of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s young stars is sticking around.
The Lightning recently announced that forward Tyler Johnson has signed a three-year deal worth $10 million.
Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune has the breakdown of Johnson’s contract:
Details on the 3-year contract extension for Tyler Johnson, makes $2.8 million in 1st year then $3.2 million and $4 million #tblightning
— Lightning Insider (@Erik_Erlendsson) May 24, 2014
“He had a very good first year and we are counting on him to be better,” Bolts general manager Steve Yzerman said. “He got better as the year went on, there is still room to improve … He’s got the skating ability and the skills and hockey sense and he’s committed to being a good overall player.”
Johnson was scheduled to become a restricted free agent on July 1 but the Bolts have made sure to lock up one of their brightest and best young players.
In his first full year in the NHL, Johnson scored 24 goals and added 26 assists. 10 of his goals came on special teams: five power play goals, five short-handed goals.
His 24 goals are a franchise record for a rookie, breaking Steven Stamkos’ previous high of 23.
Johnson’s play hasn’t gone unnoticed around the league as he is a finalist for the Calder Trophy, given to the NHL rookie of the year. Teammate Ondrej Palat and Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon are the other two finalists.
After the Lightning were swept out of the playoffs, Johnson represented the United States at the World Championships in Belarus, where he had a team high six goals in the tournament.
Johnson is the first of many potential restricted free agents Yzerman must deal with highlighted by Palat, Alex Killorn and Mark Barberio, among others.