Lightning Sign Defenseman Brett Clark

[The Crow]

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenseman Brett Clark to a two-year contract today, Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman announced.

"In Brett Clark, we are adding an experienced, intelligent defenseman who plays the game efficiently," Yzerman said. "He'll not only help steady and stabilize our defense, we expect him to help mentor our younger defensemen as they grow and develop. We are pleased he elected to join the Lightning today."

Clark, 6-foot, 195 pounds, has played in 517 career NHL games with the Colorado Avalanche, Atlanta Thrashers and Montreal Canadiens. He has amassed 34 goals and 139 points with 11 power play goals. Clark has had a even rating or higher in five of the previous six seasons and averaged more than 20 minutes in ice time per game in three of the previous four. He led the NHL in shifts per game during the 2007-08 season.

A native of Wapella, Saskatchewan, Clark has also appeared in 10 career Stanley Cup playoff games, all with Colorado, recording two goals and four points. He scored a goal in his postseason debut in 2006 and finished the playoffs tied for the team scoring lead among defensemen with two goals and four points.

Clark played in 64 games with the Avalanche last season, recording three goals and 20 points with two power play goals. He led Colorado in blocked shots with 162 and was tied for fourth among defensemen in points.

Prior to beginning his professional career, Clark played one season at the University of Maine where he skated in 39 games, recording seven goals and 38 points. That season he was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team. The following season he joined the Canadian National Team.

Clark was drafted by Montreal in sixth round, 154th overall, of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft.

[Nightshade88]

Fair price. Clark was pretty good last season. Definitley helps a team that was desperate for D men.

[silverback]

Would much rather have Grebeshkov.

[The Crow]

I dunno. Grebeshkov would want more money and is not as defensively sound in my opinion. Clark, for 1.3 mil, is a very good price as well.

[silverback]

Probably would want more money, but he's younger, and IMO would bring more talent to the back end.

[chilly666]

actually its for $6 million for two years

so yeah its a massive overpayment for someone who is in a serious decline because of injuries.

[The Crow]

Originally Posted by chilly666

actually its for $6 million for two years

so yeah its a massive overpayment for someone who is in a serious decline because of injuries.

There have been a few mix ups but from I've ready it's 2 years, 3 mil in total, 1.7 the first and 1.3 the 2nd.

[canuckfan]

Originally Posted by chilly666

actually its for $6 million for two years

so yeah its a massive overpayment for someone who is in a serious decline because of injuries.

This is what I have seen as well.

Boggles my brain. Clark is a decent enough d-man, but he's such an ordinary player and this is the second time now he's had a ton of money thrown at him by a hockey team - the last contract Colorado gave him was also extremely overpriced, especially for a guy that doesn't really stand out in any way at all. Good for him though, he's really made some serious cash in his career, however ridiculous it seems to me.

[The Crow]

He ain't making 3 mil a yr.

[skacore]

Brett Clark A.K.A. Jeff Finger

[The_Sheriff]

Underrated to me.....

Its 2 years at 2.6 total according to the Denver Post

[Humpzilla]

Originally Posted by skacore

Brett Clark A.K.A. Jeff Finger

Ouch.

All that has been said, i still like this signing. Even with the price we paid, Clark could be a very valuable contributor to our blueline. I just hope the injury problems haven't taken too big a toll.

[chilly666]

Originally Posted by The_Sheriff

Underrated to me.....

Its 2 years at 2.6 total according to the Denver Post

per capgeek its now 2 years at $3 million total...cap hit of $1.5 million

[The Crow]

Originally Posted by chilly666

per capgeek its now 2 years at $3 million total...cap hit of $1.5 million

That's what I've heard. Apparently his base salary is 1.3 million, and receives a 400,000 signing bonus.

According to Erik Erlendsson.

[The_Sheriff]

Originally Posted by The Crow

That's what I've heard. Apparently his base salary is 1.3 million, and receives a 400,000 signing bonus.

According to Erik Erlendsson.

Yeah. This is what the post said. So i assume its correct