The Lightning have signed college free agent center Cody Kunyk ( KOON-ick) to a one year, two way deal. Kunyk is out of Alaska Fairbanks where he accumulated 22 goals and 43 points in 37 games. The 5’11”, 198 lbs. forward was the WCHA Player of the Year. He will be assigned to the Lightning. (Photo/Susan Ferlita)
According to beat writer Damian Cristodero:
The one-year deal seems restrictive, but BriseBois said under the collective bargaining agreement, because Kunyk turns 24 this year, he can only be signed to a one-year deal. The contract could have started in July, BriseBois said, but it was clear in negotiations the Kunyk camp wanted it to begin immediately.
Here is the release from the Lightning:
The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed free agent forward Cody Kunyk to a one year, two-way NHL contract, vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman announced today.
Kunyk, 23, skated in 37 games for the University of Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks this season, posting 22 goals and 43 points to go along with 22 penalty minutes and a plus-13 rating. The 5-foot-11, 197-pound forward led the Nanooks for goals, points, power-play goals (six) and shorthanded goals (two). Kunyk was named the WCHA’s Player of the Year and to the First Team All-WCHA team. He also led the WCHA for scoring during the 2013-14 season.
The Sherwood Park, Alberta native skated in 148 games over four seasons at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, amassing 60 goals and 133 points. He set career highs his senior year for goals, assists (21) and points. Kunyk became the 30th Nanook in program history to join the 100-point club with a goal on November 22, 2013.
Follow me on Twitter @LightningShout and please “like” LightningShout on Facebook. You can email us at [email protected].
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
