The Tampa Bay Lightning has been a busy bunch since the NHL Draft ended on Saturday afternoon.
In summary, the the Bolts have issued qualifying offers to five RFA players: defenseman Andrej Sustr, defenseman Luke Witkowski, right wing Carter Ashton, center Vladislav Namestnikov and left wing Phillipe Paradis.
Not issued a qualifying offer were Mark Barberio, Cody Kunyk, Danick Gauthier, Dan Milan and Dalton Smith, who will all become UFAs on Wednesday.
According to beat writer Joe Smith:
With #tblightning defensive depth, and left-shots Nesterov and Koekkoek emerging, Barberio odd man out. Was TB’s sixth round pick in 2008.
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) June 29, 2015
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Barberio grateful Tampa gave him first shot, “best years of my life,” excited for new opportunity in FA. “Change isn’t always a bad thing.”
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) June 29, 2015
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The deadline for NHL clubs to issue offers is today. By issuing qualifying offers to the players, the Lightning are given the right of the first refusal or draft choice compensation should the player sign an offer sheet with another NHL club.
GM Steve Yzerman says he plans on reaching out to Brenden Morrow after he returns from vacation to see what his plans are. Morrow’s agent said the veteran winger plans to play one more year.
Also, the Lightning have re-signed right wing Mike Blunden to a one-year, two-way contract. The 6-foot-4, 216 pound Blunden played in two games with the Lightning last season, recording two penalty minutes. He played in 33 games with Tampa Bay’s top minor league affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, in 2014-15, recording 13 goals and 22 points. Despite a limited number of games he ranked tied for sixth on the Crunch for goals.
Earlier, the Bolts re-signed forward Jonathan Marchessault and inked Harvard junior Brian Hart to an entry level deal.
According to beat writer Erik Erlendsson:
Since Al Murray took over, TB has selected 27 players from 2011-14; 21 have signed a pro contract, 9 have appeared in at least on NHL game
— Erik Erlendsson (@erlendssonTBO) June 28, 2015
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With the signing of Hart (2nd round, 2012) 7 of the 8 picks from 2012 under contract (Koekkoek, Vasy, Blujus, Dotchin, Paquette, Richard)
— Erik Erlendsson (@erlendssonTBO) June 28, 2015
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Stay with us for Free Agent Frenzy starting at noon on July 1.
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