Brayden Point signs maximum-term extension with Lightning

Brayden Point and the Tampa Bay Lightning have finally agreed to terms on that long-term contract extension.

On the first day of signing eligibility, the Lightning and Point have agreed to a maximum-term contract worth $76 million. His $9.5 annual salary will kick in at the beginning of the 2022-23 season, and following the final year on his current three-year bridge deal worth $6.75 million.

Point's deal matches the annual value of teammates Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy, who have each brokered deals worth $9.5 million in the last three seasons, while exceeding the price tags on Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman.

Point has emerged as an indispensable forward for the Lightning. He's their undisputed No. 1 center, the forward which handles the more difficult matchups inside the top six, and helps the power play function as effectively as it does from the bumper position.

Point scored 23 goals and 48 points in 56 regular season games, then upped his output in the postseason with 14 goals and 23 points in as many outings. He hit a career-high 41 goals and 95 points in his third NHL season — and the last full 82-game campaign — back in 2018-19.

Tampa has been forced to disband a bit following its back-to-back Stanley Cup triumphs this offseason, losing all three members of its dominant third line and losing David Savard in free agency. But with Point under contract along with Kucherov, Hedman, Stamkos and Vasilevskiy, plus keen interest around the league from free agents, the Lightning should be considered favorites again to compete for another Stanley Cup.

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