The Tampa Bay Lightning sign Zach Bogosian, an unrestricted free agent defenceman, to a three-year contract worth $2.55 million, or $850,000 per season. This contract carries him through the 2023-24 season.
Bogosian agrees to 3 year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 28, 2021
UFA Zach Bogosian Signs with Tampa Bay Lightning
Over his 13-year NHL career, Bogosian suited up for the Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Lightning. Originally drafted in the first round, third overall of the 2008 NHL draft by the Thrashers, the 31-year old owns 53 goals and 147 assists in 689 games. Of those 200 points, all but 42 came at even strength. He averaged 14:32 in ice time per game last season in Toronto and averages 21:11 per game across his career. His usage hasn’t been over the 20-minute average since 2018-19 with the Sabres, as Bogosian transitioned to a depth role as his career progressed.
Bogosian finished 2020-21 with 45 games played. He recorded four assists, 67 hits, and 31 shot blocks over the year. His Corsi-for sat at 50.1 percent, with a relative Corsi of -2.8 percent. His relative Corsi fell in the negative nearly every year in his career, largely because he starts well over half his shifts in the defensive zone.
What This Means for the Future
Getting Zach Bogosian signed to your roster provides Cup-winning experience and strong veteran leadership. He won the Stanley Cup in 2020 with the Lightning before signing a one-year deal in Toronto. Despite a long career already, that 2020 Cup run also was Bogosian’s first-ever postseason appearance. His teams in Atlanta, Winnipeg and Buffalo never once qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Despite the lack of year-over-year playoff experience, he won the Cup in that year with Tampa.
That experience likely explains why Bogosian accepted a modest contract to return to the Bolts franchise. He’s a defensive-minded, big-bodied defenceman that helps Tampa tremendously at this dollar amount. The Lightning remain one of the teams most impacted by the flat cap environment. Acquiring an experienced, familiar blueliner at such a low cost is a no-brainer.
Main Photo: TORONTO ON- APRIL 07. Toronto Maple Leafs forward Zach Hyman (11) almost gets the rebound after the shot by Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Zach Bogosian (22) in front of Montreal Canadiens defenceman Alexander Romanov (27) and Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jake Allen (34) during NHL action in Toronto ( Rene Johnston/Toronto Star) (Rene Johnston/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
