Overview
- The Lightning, which announced the move Tuesday, agreed to a two-year, two-way contract with defenseman Max Groshev that carries an $875,000 NHL cap hit.
- The deal pays $850,000 in the NHL and $200,000 in the AHL in year one with a reported $300,000 guarantee, then $900,000 in the NHL and $750,000 in the AHL in year two.
- Analysts say the sharp AHL salary bump and first-year guarantee point to Tampa Bay banking on low-cost depth while discouraging waiver claims if he is reassigned.
- Groshev switched from forward to defense in 2024–25, produced 21 points in 58 AHL games last season, and logged two NHL games, debuting December 28 against Montreal with his first assist.
- Team guidance and local reporting indicate he is likely to open in AHL Syracuse as a recall-ready option, and he will remain a restricted free agent when this contract ends.