Tampa Bay Lightning sign Steve Downie
The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced that they have signed forward Steve Downie to a two-year deal worth $3.7 million. Downie was a restricted free agent and the signing kept the youngster from becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Downie was drafted 29th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2005 National Hockey League (NHL) entry draft. He spent his first season split between the Flyers and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate the Philadelphia Phantoms. In 2008-09, Downie was traded to the Lightning, where he again split time between the NHL and the AHL. Last season was Downie’s first full year with the Lightning.
The 23-year-old has become a big part of the new-look Lightning, as he is expected to fill an even larger role next year under the supervision of General Manager Steve Yzerman. Last season, Downie spent time on both the first and second lines, playing right wing. He is expected to fill first line duty for the majority of the 2010-11 campaign.
Known for playing on the edge, Downie’s aggressive on-ice nature both helps and hinders the Lightning offence. The Ontario native accumulated 208 penalty minutes last season, which put him third in the League. His intense forecheck was a big part of both Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos’ outstanding 2009-10 campaigns. Nevertheless, Downie can also be a momentum-killer as his emotions are known to get the best of him and he is constantly looking for the big hit, which often takes him out of position defensively.
Needless to say, Downie is still a work in progress, however, he still harbours a great deal of potential at such a young age. Moreover, his style of play is something the Lightning are in desperate need of within their top-six forwards.
Last season with the Lightning, Downie managed 22 goals and 24 assists for 46 points in 79 games
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