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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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WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 01: Martin St. Louis #26 of the Tampa Bay Lightning handles the puck against the Washington Capitals during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinal during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Verizon Center on May 1, 2011 in Washington, DC. Tampa won the game 3-2. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 01: Martin St. Louis #26 of the Tampa Bay Lightning handles the puck against the Washington Capitals during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinal during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Verizon Center on May 1, 2011 in Washington, DC. Tampa won the game 3-2. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Perhaps the greatest free-agent signing in the sport’s history, St. Louis comes in as the undisputed number one signing in Lightning history. St. Louis walked so that others like Tyler Johnson after him could run. St. Louis would become the gold standard for undersized players in the NHL and pave the path for all who were overlooked.

St. Louis’s inspiring journey from going undrafted, being cut by Calgary, and signing in Tampa saw him become one of the greatest players of his era. St. Louis joined the Lightning, eager for an opportunity to play. St. Louis went from a fourth-liner to a top scorer with the Lightning with the right opportunity.

2003-04 saw the greatest of St. Louis. He would win the NHL’s scoring title and the Hart trophy for the league’s Most Valuable Player. Oh, and he also helped lead the Lightning to the Stanley Cup. Have a year, Marty. St. Louis became the heart and soul of the Lightning.

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