Matt Carle Returns to Lightning

Matt Carle Returns to Lightning
Jojo Doria

Tampa, FL

The Tampa Bay Lightning expects to boost the team's offense on its blue line after signing defenseman Matt Carle to a six-year contract.

The multi-year pact is reportedly worth $33.5 million for an annual cap hit of around $5.5 million.

It will mark the second tour of duty with Tampa Bay for Carle, who played 12 games for the Lightning in 2008-09 after joining the team as part of a trade with San Jose in exchange for defenseman Dan Boyle.

Carle was selected in the second round of the 2003 NHL Draft by the Sharks before joining San Jose late in the 2005-06 season after spending three years at the University of Denver, where he was an All-American star player.

The dynamic defenseman was later dealt to Philadelphia in a trade package that included winger Steve Downie.

The 27-year-old native of Anchorage, Alaska, spent the last four seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, which included three-plus productive seasons.

In 2010-11, Carle posted 40 points with the Flyers. Last season, he had four goals and 34 assists in 82 regular-season games and was 2-4-6 in Philadelphia's 12 playoff contests.

In seven seasons, Carle has 32 goals, 170 assists in 471 games with San Jose, Tampa Bay and Philadelphia. He has five goals and 30 assists for 35 points in 84 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

In his career, the offensively-inclined Carle, listed at 6 feet, 205-pounds, has produced 74 power play points.

With his ability to play all situations and a solid presence in his own defensive zone, the Lightning may have addressed some issues with its defensive core with Carle, the remaining top defenseman left on the free-agent market.

Carle's signing came hours after Ryan Suter and Zach Parise, the two big names on this summer's free agent market, both signed with Minnesota.

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