The Tampa Bay Lightning signed forward Ondrej Palat to a 3-year-contract reportedly worth $10 million today. Palat, 23, had 59 points in 81 games for the Lightning this season and played in the Olympics for his native country, the Czech Republic.
He was named rookie of the month twice this season and is up for the Calder Trophy, along with teammate Tyler Johnson, which is awarded to the most outstanding rookie of the season. Palat had a plus-32 rating, the highest on the team, and has played in 95 career NHL games. During that time, the young gun has accumulated 25 goals, 63 points, and an overall plus-37 rating. Mr. Palat was drafted by the Lightning in the 2011 NHL Draft in the seventh round, 208th overall.
Tampa Bay fans throughtout Florida can't wait to see what else is in store for Ondrej, as he is just at the beginning of what could be a storied career.