TAMPA — The Lightning's push to retain its players for 2018-19 continued Thursday, with center Cedric Paquette re-signing on a one-year, $1 million deal.
Paquette, 24, had five goals and four assists in 2017-18, his fourth full NHL season. He's often on the line tasked with shutting down an opponent's most dangerous one, an unsung role helping the defensive effort.
Paquette was a restricted free agent, and general manager Steve Yzerman has made it a priority to keep together the group that reached the Eastern Conference final last season for a third time in four years.
Yzerman also has re-signed defenseman Ryan McDonagh and center J.T. Miller to long-term extensions, signed backup goalie Louis Domingue to a two-year deal and given defenseman Slater Koekkoek a one-year extension.
Wing Adam Erne is the only unsigned restricted free agent remaining.