Lightning Sign Top Young Defenseman To Extension

He was a 6th-round pick in the 2017 Entry Draft, and only made his rookie debut as an injury-related call-up in mid-October this season. But Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Nick Perbix has taken the opportunity and run with it. Now he'll be in town for at least more seasons after agreeing to a contract extension.

#Bolts get Nick Perbix signed to a two-year contract extension worth an AAV of $1.125M. He’s been a huge addition to the #Bolts back end this season. https://t.co/2jh2EEVQ88
— Chris Krenn (@Chris_Krenn) January 2, 2023

It's a two-year extension for Perbix, for $2.25M ($1.125M AAV).

The 24-year-old has quickly risen up the depth charts on the Bolts' defense, recently seeing time on the top pairing with Victor Hedman. He's registered eight points in 29 games, with a plus 8, and 15:26 TOI.

“He just does everything well,” Lightning color analyst Brian Engblom told The Athletic. “He’s smart. He’s mature in his game. The NHL hasn’t seemed to bother him. He doesn’t panic. He reads the game really well and is in a good position. His efficiency is the best part of his game. Nothing flashy, but it’s what you want.”

“The game slows down for him,” added head coach Jon Cooper “He’s still learning, and there’s a long way to go. But that composure he has, has really helped him here.”

Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports