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Lightning re-sign defenseman Slater Koekkoek to a one-year contract

Defenseman Slater Koekkoek, one of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s qualified RFA’s, has been re-signed to a one-year, one-way contract worth $800,000.

Koekkoek played in 29 games with the Lightning in 2016-17, recording four assists.  He spent the majority of his season with AHL Syracuse, notching two goals and 13 points in 48 games.  Koekkoek also appeared in all 22 Calder Cup Playoff games the Crunch played, registering a goal and six assists on the team’s run to the finals.

Over his career, Koekkoek has played in 41 NHL games with Tampa Bay, recording five assists. He has also skated in 10 Stanley Cup Playoff games with the Lightning, notching one assist over the course of those games. He has played in 180 career AHL games with Syracuse, recording 12 goals and 54 points. He has appeared in 25 career Calder Cup Playoff games.

Koekkoek is now waiver-eligible, which many have pointed out is complicated by the signing of defenseman Dan Girardi. Most are of the opinion that Koekkoek will not make it through waivers, which will lead to some tough decisions if the Bolts’ blue line continues to be crowded. Koekkoek should be set to have a banner year with the Lightning after more than enough seasoning in the AHL, but many worry he won’t get a fair shake if minutes are hard to come by.

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