With training camp set to start in a week’s time, the Tampa Bay Lightning made a couple of moves to get their roster ready for camp and preseason games later this month.
General manager Julien Brisebois was forced to place free agent forward Josh Archibald on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract.
This became necessary after Archibald’s agent, along with Archibald himself, informed Brisebois that they wouldn’t be reporting to training camp or playing in the NHL anytime soon.
Using the money gained from terminating Archibald’s contract, Brisebois signed former New York Ranger and Ottawa Senator forward Tyler Motte to a one-year contract worth $800,000.
Motte, 28, played 62 games last season, tallying eight goals, 11 assists and 19 points. The latter two were career highs.
He also skated in all seven of the Rangers first-round playoff games against the New Jersey Devils.
A fourth round draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013, Motte was a top shot blocker while with the Senators early last season. If he can continue that and provide some offensive production, the Lightning will be more than happy with this signing.
Now that all loose ends have been addressed, the Lightning and their fans are ready to see what the 2023-24’ Bolts team has in store starting on October 10.
