Restricted free-agent forward Brayden Point could have a new contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning sooner rather than later.
The two sides have apparently made serious progress and are getting closer to a deal, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun. It's believed an agreement, if one comes to fruition, would be for a three-year bridge contract, LeBrun adds.
Reports earlier this month suggested that Point and the Lightning remained far apart in negotiations, but with training camp in full swing and the regular season beginning next week, it seems like significant progress has been made in a short period of time.
Several other highly-prized restricted free agents inked bridge deals with their respective clubs this summer, including defenseman Zach Werenski with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Charlie McAvoy with the Boston Bruins, and forward Brock Boeser with the Vancouver Canucks.
Point totaled a career-high 41 goals and 92 points in 79 contests in the final year of his entry-level deal in 2018-19 and finished third on the Lightning in scoring.
Tampa Bay holds $8.47 million in projected cap space with Point the only player in need of a new deal for 2019-20, according to CapFriendly.
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