Lightning reward forward Teddy Purcell with three-year contract extension

TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Bay Lightning have rewarded Teddy Purcell for his breakout season, signing the right-wing to a three-year contract extension worth US$13.5 million.

Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman announced the signing Tuesday on the team's website. The deal pays Purcell $4.5 million annually through the 2015-16 season.

Purcell set career highs in goals (26), assists (41), power-play goals (eight) and game-winning goals (three) last season, and found himself playing on the Lightning's top line for much of the season.

The six-foot-two, 201-pound native of St. John's, N.L., led the Lightning with a plus-9 rating.

He had a Lightning season-high and career-best 11-game point streak from Feb. 21 through March 8, amassing seven goals and 11 assists during the stretch.

He also represented Canada at the IIHF World Championships, registering a goal and an assist in eight games.

Originally undrafted out of the University of Maine, Purcell was signed by Los Angeles as a free agent April 27, 2007. The Kings dealt Purcell to Tampa Bay on March 3, 2010 for centre Jeff Halpern and a 2010 third-round draft pick.