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Nick Paul Signs Seven-Year Extension To Remain In Tampa Bay

by Jim Biringer

July 1, 2022

in Atlantic Division, Featured, News, NHL, NHL Free Agency, Tampa Bay Lightning

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The Tampa Bay Lightning announced they have signed forward Nick Paul to a new seven-year, $22.05 million extension. Paul’s new contract will carry a salary-cap hit of $3.15 million.

We have signed Nick Paul to a seven-year contract extension worth $3.15 million AAV.

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— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) July 1, 2022

Nick Paul Remains With The Lightning

Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois stated after the Lightning lost in the Stanley Cup Final that signing Nick Paul was a priority. Not to mention Paul in his exit interview wanted to remain with the Lightning as well.

“I love it in Tampa, and want to come back, we’ll see how it goes,” said Paul in his exit interview with the media. “My agent knows how I feel and so we will go from there. I want to be in the playoffs again.”

By week’s end, he locked up Paul to a new seven-year deal. Paul has been a great addition since coming to the Lightning. BriseBois traded for Paul just ahead of the March 21st trade deadline. There he sent Mathieu Joseph and a 2024 fourth-round pick to Ottawa for the Paul. At the time who knew Paul would become a valuable asset for the Lightning.

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During the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Paul played a vital role in the Lightning’s run to their third straight Stanley Cup Final. Paul played in all 23 games for the Lightning during their run. He netted five goals, as he was tied for fifth-most on the team as he tallied nine points. During Game 7 of the first-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Paul came up huge for the Lightning. In that game, Paul scored the only two goals the Lightning needed. Those goals were Paul’s first two career playoff goals as the Lightning defeated the Maple Leafs 2-1 to advance to round 2.

Paul was brought in by the Lightning as they looked to replace their third line that consisted of Barclay Goodrow, Yanni Gourde, and Blake Coleman. Cooper had Paul alongside Ross Colton and Corey Perry. That line’s ability to forecheck and keep pucks deep was essential. Not to mention Paul, was able to play on the penalty kill as well. He was great in the faceoff circle as well winning 56 percent of the draws he took.

The 101st overall pick from the 2013 NHL Draft set career highs with Tampa Bay and Ottawa. In 80 games combined with both teams, he recorded 32 points (16 goals and 16 assists). For his career, he has 34 goals and 80 points in 248 career games.

Moving Forward

The Lightning are not finished by no means. BriseBois still has work to do to get Ondrej Palat and Jan Rutta signed long-term as well. It will be tough as he will have to move Ryan McDonagh or Alex Killorn out of town.

For now, the Lightning have their third-line center locked up long-term. As Jon Cooper said when he so Paul play for the first time he was pleasantly surprised. He will be happy knowing one of his hardest-working players is back on the roster for another run at the Stanley Cup.