The Tampa Bay Lightning have added veteran forward Jeffrey Viel on a five-year contract with an average annual value of $2.5million. Coming over from the Anaheim Ducks, the Lightning have shored up their depth by signing a hard-nosed fourth-line forward capable of playing hard playoff minutes.
Jeffrey Viel 5 x $2.5M
Tampa Bay
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2026
Tampa Bay Adds Some Support with Jeffrey Viel Contract
The Tampa Bay Lightning saw their season end in disappointment, losing out in the first round to the Montreal Canadiens in seven games. Since then, Tampa’s been searching for ways to add depth to its lineup in order to return to contender form. Signing Viel helps ensure their bottom-six packs a bit more of a scoring punch.
An undrafted 29-year-old, Jeffrey Viel has been around the NHL, playing for the San Jose Sharks and Boston Bruins before ending his 2025-26 season with the Anaheim Ducks. After failing to score in 10 games with the Bruins, Viel had three goals and 10 points in 35 games with the Ducks to end the season. The playoffs, however, are where Viel shone. Playing on the fourth line, he scored two goals with two assists for four points in 12 games against tough competition in the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights. With a 5-year contract, expect Viel to become a staple of the Lightning’s fourth line for the long-term.
(Credit Image: © Russell Hons/Cal Sport Media)
What It Means
Tampa Bay continues to add more toughness to its lineup. The Florida Panthers may be getting grittier, but it looks like the rival Lightning are responding with this move. Viel is hoping to carve out a role with Tampa Bay after reaching this agreement.
The Lightning re hoping to get out of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, it’s been slow going the last few seasons. The pressure is on for Tampa Bay to make a deep run.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
