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Tampa Bay Lightning sign defenseman Daniel Walcott to an entry level deal

The defenseman was acquired from the New York Rangers this past spring.

By Allokago
Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

The last bit of the Lightning's off season "To Do" list got scratched off today: Tampa Bay has signed defenseman Daniel Walcott to an entry-level contract:

Walcott was obtained by Tampa in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick in the 2015 NHL draft. Walcott has played one game at the AHL level with the Hartford Wolf Pack. He finished the game -1 with no points or penalties. Walcott scored 7 goals and had 34 assists and was +20 with 40 penalty minutes in 54 QMJHL regular season games.

Hockey's Future credits Walcott with a "mature game:"

Walcott was a rare 19-year-old rookie in the QMJHL when he stepped in to fill a big role in his first year of junior hockey. Despite his inexperience, he played a mature game with poise befitting his lack of experience at a high level. Contributing at both ends of the ice with a physical edge to his game, Walcott's puck-moving skills are top notch.

I got to see some of that game personally when I attended the Boot Camp charity hockey tournament this past August in Quebec. I found that Walcott more than held his own against more seasoned professional players, some of whom had NHL experience. He blended well with his teammates and was visible for the right reasons.

Walcott is slated for Syracuse, where his presence will absolutely help the Crunch's blue line:

Raw Charge staffer GeoFitz put forth the following possible d-pairings for the Lightning's top developmental affiliate:

Slater Koekkoek-Anthony DeAngelo

Matt Taormina-Dylan Blujus

Daniel Walcott-Jake Dotchin

Joey Mormina-Charlie Dodero

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