Ryan Callahan Re-signs With the Tampa Bay Lightning

Apr 13, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals center

(92) and Tampa Bay Lightning right wing

(24) battle for the puck in the first period at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed forward Ryan Callahan.

One of Steve Yzerman’s main goal this offseason was to sign Callahan to a new deal and he successfully locked him up to a six-year deal at an average hit of $5.8 million.

The deal also includes a partial no-trade clause.

“I couldn’t be happier to be part of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization for the next six years and I am excited for this new chapter of my career,” Callahan told the Tampa Bay Times. “Tampa Bay has been a great place to live and play from the day I got there. As soon as the season ended I knew it was a place I wanted to be.”

Acquired from the New York Rangers in the Martin St. Louis trade, Callahan had six goals and five helpers in 20 regular season games. He was held pointless in the playoffs.

Callahan was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. However, he said that he wanted to remain in Tampa.

The 29-year-old has never played a full NHL regular season as he has seemingly dealt with injuries each year of his eight-year career. He has appeared in 470 regular season games scoring 138 goals and recording 265 points.

Jon Cooper has said himself that Callahan is one of the most important members of the Lightning due to his leadership skills. He’s also loved on his ice due to his grit and determination and his ability to play both ways.

The Lightning also announced this morning that they have brought out Ryan Malone with the second compliance buyout.