Tampa Bay Lightning re-sign forward Teddy Purcell, avoid arbitration –NHL offseason Update
In a move to avoid a salary arbitration hearing which was scheduled for Wednesday, Tampa Bay Lightning came to mutual terms with young right winger, Teddy Purcell, who played his full and best season with the team and helped lead them to their first Eastern
Conference Final in over seven years.
Reportedly, the contract is two-year deal which is worth an estimated $4.725 million.
Purcell will now be entering his third consecutive season with Tampa Bay in October, after two test seasons, the 25-year-old forward seems to be on the right track and certainly on the right team.
"We were happy to get Teddy signed this morning for the next two seasons", vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman said. "He had a good year in 2010-11, his first full season in the NHL, and we look forward to seeing him continue to grow as a contributor
for the Tampa Bay Lightning".
Picked straight out of University of Main, Teddy Purcell played his first 10 National Hockey League (NHL) games with Los Angeles Kings and registered a total of three points (1 goal, 2 assists) during that time frame.
Purcell continued to grow by playing 40 consecutive matchups the following season and put up 16 points (4 goals, 12 assists).
It was during the 2009-2010 season that Purcell was traded to Tampa Bay, where he faced a slow start and played only 19 games for a total of nine points (3 goals, 6 assists).
Last season was a breakthrough for the St John’s, Newfoundland, Canada native, in which he played 81 games and registered an amazing 51 points (17 goals, 34 assists), both which were career highs.
Purcell was thankful of finally being signed after nearly waiting for a month after becoming a free agent on July 1.
"I would like to thank Steve and the rest of the organization for this opportunity", Purcell said. "I'm looking forward to being part of this team for the next two years and beyond as we try and build on last year’s success".
Ranking ninth overall last season in terms of points, Purcell still has much time to grow, which will be crucial for Tampa Bay on their quest for their second Stanley Cup since 2004.
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