Lightning Keeping Forward Around

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed three-time Stanley Cup champion Pat Maroon to a two-year, $2 million contract.

Maroon has become a very important part of Tampa Bay's bottom six, so it shouldn't be too surprising that they have decided to give him another contract. Upon first glance, this looks like a good move for the Lightning, as it is not too expensive of a contract for a player like him.

Maroon has played well this season, as he has seven goals, six assists, and a plus-9 rating in 45 games. That is honestly decent production from a player with his role, so it's hard to find much to complain about. He also has remained very physical, as evidenced by his 83 hits and 63 penalty minutes already this campaign. He makes playing against the Lightning even more challenging because of this element of his game, too.

Maroon has become a nice part of the Lightning's overall identity, so it makes sense that they have decided to sign him to this extension. At this juncture, the Lightning should be trying to keep as many players as they can from their back-to-back Stanley Cup teams.

Nevertheless, this is a big day for Maroon. He now will be in the league for at least two more seasons after this one.