Bolts by the Bay
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Top five free-agent signings in Lightning history

By Henry Yoho

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 5: Anton Stralman #6 of the Tampa Bay Lightning is congratulated on his goal Pittsburgh Penguins by teammates, including Tyler Johnson #9 and Alex Killorn #17 during the first period at the Amalie Arena on February 5, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 5: Anton Stralman #6 of the Tampa Bay Lightning is congratulated on his goal Pittsburgh Penguins by teammates, including Tyler Johnson #9 and Alex Killorn #17 during the first period at the Amalie Arena on February 5, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) /
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EDMONTON, ALBERTA – SEPTEMBER 28: Kevin Shattenkirk #22 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates with the Stanley Cup following the series-winning victory over the Dallas Stars in Game Six of the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on September 28, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
EDMONTON, ALBERTA – SEPTEMBER 28: Kevin Shattenkirk #22 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates with the Stanley Cup following the series-winning victory over the Dallas Stars in Game Six of the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on September 28, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Another player brought on a very low-risk deal; Kevin Shattenkirk proved to be a significant contributor towards the biggest reward of them all. Left for dead by his hometown New York Rangers, Shattenkirk came to Tampa with a heavy chip on his shoulder to prove he could still play in the NHL at a high level.

After being bought out of his expensive deal with New York, Shattenkirk signed for just one year at $1 Million in Tampa. Once regarded as one of the top offensive defensemen in the league, Shattenkirk had a lot to prove to himself in Tampa to stay in the NHL. Shattenkirk served as an exceptional puck-moving d-man on the Lightning’s right side and could slide in with multiple partners and even work the powerplay.

Shattenkirk was not counted on for high-end offensive output but was an outstanding skater and could break the puck out of the defensive zone as few could. The offense was still there for Shattenkirk as he finished tied for second on the team for points by a defenseman with 34. His most memorable moment came when he scored an overtime-winning goal in game 4 of the 2020 Stanley Cup Final as he pushed the Lightning to within a single win of their elusive Stanley Cup.

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