If a reported $3.85 million in averaged annual salary is correct, defenseman Eric Brewer’s contract extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning brings a reduced cap hit to the tune of about $400,000 less than what it was on his previous deal.
And, in a summer with so many contracts needing attention, every penny counts.
First thing’s first. Brewer was a great fit for the Bolts last season and his return is a major positive for the club. His re-signing signals a solid start to the off-season for Steve Yzerman and company.
In short: Task one of many can be crossed off the list.
Ten days ago, we laid out a bottom line scenario piece on what Tampa Bay is facing this off-season, in terms of bringing back their own free agents. With Brewer now inked and with a confirmed high-end salary cap number of $64.3 million next season, when we had previously assumed a $4.5 million annual cap hit for Brewer and banked on an estimated $63.5 million cap ceiling, an updated glimpse at the re...
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