The Tampa Bay Lightning have locked up their franchise defenseman.
Defenseman Victor Hedman has signed an eight-year contract extension worth $63 million, meaning an average annual valuation of $7.875 million.
Couldn't be more excited to stay in Tampa for another 8 years! Let's do this..
— Victor Hedman (@heds77) July 1, 2016
The 25-year-old was selected second overall by the Lightning at the 2009 NHL Draft, and he has lived up to the billing of a high pick.
Through 470 career games in Tampa, Hedman is averaging 0.49 points per game, with positive possession numbers and a physical presence to round out his elite-level game.
Hedman will become the Lightning's second-highest paid player following an expected eight-year, $68 million deal to be signed by Steven Stamkos.
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