Lightning re-sign Purcell for two years

Teddy Purcell and the Tampa Bay Lightning reached an agreement on a two-year contract Wednesday for a reported $4.725 million.

Purcell was a restricted free agent and set to have his arbitration hearing Wednesday, but the two sides found common ground on a contract before the hearing began.

"We were happy to get Teddy signed this morning for the next two seasons," Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said. "He had a good year in 2010-11, his first full season in the NHL, and we look forward to seeing him continue to grow as a contributor for the Tampa Bay Lightning."

"I would like to thank Steve and the rest of the organization for this opportunity," Purcell said. "I'm looking forward to being part of this team for the next two years and beyond as we try and build on last year’s success."

The 25-year-old Purcell had his best NHL season in 2010-11, achieving a career-high 17 goals and 34 assists in 81 regular-season games. The right wing also had 6 goals and 11 assists in 18 postseason games.

Purcell was signed by the Los Angeles Kings as an undrafted free agent in 2007 after he spent one season at the University of Maine. The native of St. John's, Newfoundland, made his debut with the Kings in 2007 and played parts of three seasons in Los Angeles.

The Lightning acquired Purcell at the trade deadline in 2010 along with a third-round draft pick in exchange for Jeff Halpern.

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