Sean Bergenheim is the definition of deserving an honorable mention because of his ultimate bang for your buck. Bergenheim came to Tampa as a depth forward signing for just a single season at $700 thousand. Bergenheim would post a career-high in points with 29. This is an exceptional total for a player slotting in lower in the lineup, especially at his cap hit.
Bergenheim’s exceptional regular season could only be outdone by having a post-season run of a lifetime during the Lightning’s 2011 run to the Eastern Conference Final. Bergenheim tallied nine goals in 16 playoff games, including the game seven in the first round in Pittsburgh. Bergenheim’s notable role as a playoff hero earned him a raise after his one season in Tampa Bay as he would sign a four deal with the Florida Panthers.