A person with direct knowledge of the move says the Tampa Bay Lightning have agreed to terms with left winger Ondrej Palat on a $26.5 million, five-year deal.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday because it had not been announced. Palat will count $5.3 million against the salary cap over the length of the contract.
Palat was a restricted free agent who had filed for salary arbitration. The sides settled on this deal before a hearing was needed.
The 26-year-old had 17 goals and 35 assists for 52 points in 75 games last season.