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Lightning sign Tyler Johnson to three-year, $10 million extension

Tampa Bay Lightning v Pittsburgh Penguins

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 22: Tyler Johnson #9 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the game at Consol Energy Center on March 22, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Justin K. Aller

The Lightning and 23-year-old forward Tyler Johnson didn’t need much time to reach an understanding after his successful rookie campaign. Johnson inked a three-year, $10 million extension with Tampa Bay to avoid becoming a restricted free agent, per CBC’s Elliotte Friedman.

Johnson has excelled offensively at every level he’s played. He had 53 goals and 115 points in 71 WHL games and followed that up with back-to-back 60-plus point campaigns in the AHL.

That earned him a shot with the Lightning and he continued to produce by recording 24 goals, 26 assists, and a plus-23 rating in 82 games. He led all rookies in total playing time -- an impressive feat for a forward -- and was used heavily when the Lightning were killing penalties. He found the back of the net five times with his team shorthanded, which put him in a tie with Brad Marchand for the NHL lead.

As a result, he was named as one of the finalist for the Calder Trophy, along with Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon and teammate Ondrej Palat.

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