The Tampa Bay Lightning helped their blue line by extending rookie defenseman Nick Perbix two more years.
First reported by the Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) on Twitter, Perbix and the Bolts agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension worth an AAV of $1.125 million.
Perbix, 24, has appeared in 29 games with the Lightning this season. He made his NHL debut on October 18, 2022, versus the Philadelphia Flyers and has been a great addition to a defense that lost both Ryan McDonagh and Jan Rutta this past offseason.
In less than 30 games, Perbix has three goals and eight points. His three goals are tied with Ian Cole for second on the team. They also rank tied for second among rookie defensemen.
Perbix recorded his first NHL goal and point before playing ten games. His first goal came on October 26th in Anaheim, while his first point came on November 5th versus Buffalo.
When asked about his extension, Perbix had this to say: “It happened really quickly. I was told to start looking for a place about a week ago, and my agent told me it (the extension) was happening a couple of days ago.”
Coach Jon Cooper had praise for the young Perbix too.
“He’s going to work. He won’t rest on this extension.”
Straight out of college, Perbix has brought much-needed depth and stability to a blue line that desperately needed it. He’s given the team everything they need and more.
