Lightning sign rookie defenseman Nick Perbix to two-year extension

TAMPA — Heading into this season, the Lightning thought they might have something special in rookie defenseman Nick Perbix.

Now, just 29 games into his NHL career, they’ve ensured that Perbix will be a part of the team’s blue line at least through the 2024-25 season.

Perbix signed a two-year extension Monday worth an annual average value of $1.125 million.

The 24-year-old has impressed the Lightning with his poise with and without the puck and recently has shown confidence in his offensive game.

Perbix ranks second among NHL rookie defensemen in goals (three) and is tied for 10th in scoring (eight points).

There were several questions surrounding the Lightning’s defense corps entering the season, including the team’s right-shot defenseman depth.

Some of those questions were answered early. Even though Perbix didn’t make the team’s roster out of training camp, he put himself on the short list of potential early call-ups.

He was promoted in the first week of the season, making his debut in the home opener Oct. 18 against Philadelphia. His ice time has gradually increased since (he averages 15:26 per game), and he’s shown the ability to play with any left-shot defenseman on the ice.

A sixth-round pick of the Lightning in 2017, Perbix signed a one-year, entry-level contract in March carrying a $842,500 cap hit. He finished his college career at St. Cloud State and played for Team USA in the Beijing Olympics before joining AHL Syracuse last season.

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