Tampa Bay Lightning sign goalie Mike Smith to two-year extension

Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Mike Smith deflects a shot on goal by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 6, 2008, in Philadelphia. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Tom Mihalek

TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Bay Lightning signed goalie Mike Smith to a US$4.4-million, two-year extension on Monday.

Smith, 26, went 15-19-0 with a 2.59 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage in 34 games last season with Tampa Bay and Dallas. He was acquired at the trade deadline in a deal that sent all-star forward Brad Richards to the Stars.

Smith will make US$950,000 this season, $2 million in 2009-10 and $2.4 million in '10-'11.

"It goes without saying that Mike has a bright future in the Lightning organization," vice-president of hockey operations Brian Lawton said in a release. "It is important in our plan to have locked up Mike ... to solidify our goaltending situation this season and beyond."

The 6-3, 211-pounder has posted a 27-24-0 record in 57 career NHL games with Dallas and Tampa Bay, along with a .905 save percentage, a 2.45 GAA and six shutouts.

He was drafted by Dallas in the fifth round, 161st overall, in the 2001 NHL draft.