Lightning Sign Chris Kunitz

By John Gianfrancesco

July 1st marked the beginning of free agency and Steve Yzerman made a few signings. Most notably Chris Kunitz. The 37-year-old veteran inked a 1-year deal worth $2M AAV which includes $1M in performance bonuses.

Yzerman stated he wanted to bring in a Top 9 forward and after missing out on Justin Williams, Yzerman signed Kunitz. Kunitz, who has won 4 Stanley Cups, is a good combination of skill, grit & leadership. It’s assumed that Kunitz will most likely have a 3rd line role. Although he is reaching his final years in the NHL, Kunitz can still bring it. He had 29 points last year with the back to back cup winning Penguins. He won’t light the lamp 20 times a season but you can expect a 200-foot game and a physical presence from this vet.

Kunitz is an in your face kind of player. The type of guy you hate unless he’s on your team. With a healthy Callahan as well, the Lightning definitely found another gritty player. The main reason for signing Kunitz is his leadership. Tampa is one of the younger teams in the league so this 37-year-old brings a wave of professionalism into the locker room, almost like a 2nd coach. Tampa fans can expect the 4-time Stanley Cup champion to lead by example.

Welcome to Tampa Chris.

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July 3rd, 2017