Ryan Craig was awarded a one-year contract for $850,000 by arbitrator Elizabeth Neumeier. The right wing had asked for $1.2-million. The Lightning, which has slotted Craig as a fourth-line player with special teams duties, asked $650,000. Craig had 14 goals, 27 points in 72 games last season and made $495,000.

GM Jay Feaster said the contract is in the process of being signed. He also said the award fits into the team's budget and he will not try to trade the player. Craig will start training camp as the fourth-line center with penalty kill and power play duties. Feaster said had the award been greater than $900,000, an attempt at a trade would have been more likely.

During negotiations, the Lightning offered a three-year deal at $750,000 each season, a two-year deal at $750,000 and $800,000 and a one-year deal somewhere in the eights. Craig pushed for up to $1-million.

Including Craig's award, the Lightning has committed $43.666-million of the $44-million it has said is available for payroll. Craig was the final player Tampa Bay needed to sign. Feaster said that barring any "unforeseen trades, the Lightning will not make any more moves on the NHL level.

"This is the team,'' he said, "with which we will go into training camp.''

More in tomorrow's paper.