Tampa Bay Signs Anthony Cirelli to an Extension

The Tampa Bay Lightning have been busy this Christmas season and the team has delivered an early gift to their fans, announcing a contract extension for restricted free agent Anthony Cirelli.

The deal gradually increases over the course of the three years. The first year Cirelli will make $2.4 million, second year he'll take home $4.8 million and the final year of his deal, the Etobicoke, Ontario native will take home $7.2 million.

Year 1, $2.4 M ($1.5 M sb plus $900k salary)
Year 2, $4.8 M ($1.5 M sb plus $3.3 M salary)
Year 3, $7.2 M all salary
AAV $4.8 M
It's the exact same deal as Sergachev https://t.co/ehwx6d5ZY1
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 24, 2020

Cirelli has burst onto the scene the past two seasons and showed in the playoffs he's capable of shutting down absolutely anybody in the league. Not only are Selke trophies likely in his future, Cirelli has the offensive upside to be the perfect #2 centre. Last season he finished with 44 points in 68 games and Lightning fan should expect roughly a point a game this upcoming shortened 56-game season.

With Nikita Kucherov headed for LTIR, the Lightning now appear to be cap compliant, and may still make a trade before the season begins, or throughout. Tyler Johnson is expected to be the odd man out for the defending champs.