Lightning Ink Defenseman Matt Carle – Six Years, $33 Million

Carle signs with the Bolts

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed free agent defenseman Matt Carle to a six-year, $33 million contract with a $5.5 million cap hit per year.

The defensemive domino’s began to tumble after free agent Ryan Suter signed a big money contract with the Minnesota Wild, earlier today. Suter was the most sought after free agent blue-liner and his 13 year, $98 million contract set the market for other free agents.

Carle was acquired by the Bolts from the San Jose Sharks as a part of the Dan Boyle trade and he played 12 games with the Lightning in 2008-09 before being traded away to Philadelphia for Steve Downie and Steve Eminger.

“There have been a lot of changes. The organization is in a different place now and it all starts at the top,” said Carle. “I’m excited to be back. It was a hard decision. The organization is going in the right direction, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

This is a bold move by Bolts GM Steve Yzerman. Carle did a terrific job in Philadelphia, stepping up when the Flyers lost Chris Pronger to injury. He has been turnover prone, but is a good shot blocker and can play big minutes. Many have compared him to Ryan Suter.

*Photograph courtesy of Dinur.

Follow me on Twitter @Lightningshout and “Like” Hockey Independent Lightning on Facebook.