Lightning Re-Sign Groshev To Two-Year Extension

The Tampa Bay Lightning have locked up some organizational blue-line depth, announcing a two-year, two-way contract extension for defenseman Max Groshev. The 24-year-old was slated to become a restricted free agent this summer. The deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of $875K at the NHL level.  

In the first year of the deal, Groshev will earn $850K at the NHL level and $200K in the minors, backed by a $300K overall guarantee. The second year sees a substantial raise in his minor-league compensation, jumping to a $900K NHL salary and a $750K minors salary.

The significant bump in his minor-league salary and the first-year guarantee shows that Tampa Bay highly values his role in the organization, protecting him against salary dips while keeping his cap hit remarkably team-friendly if he makes the NHL roster full-time.

The 2025-26 campaign was a memorable one for the Russian defenseman. Groshev earned his first taste of NHL action, making his league debut on December 28 against the Montreal Canadiens. He maximized his opportunity in that brief two-game stint, logging 23 minutes of ice time, registering a plus-1 rating, and picking up his first career NHL assist.  

When he wasn’t with the big club, Groshev was a steady, reliable presence on the Syracuse blue line. In 58 AHL games with the Crunch last season, the 6-foot-2, 196-pound skater tallied three goals and 21 points. His 18 assists, 21 points, and impressive plus-16 rating all ranked third among Syracuse defensemen. He also chipped in one assist in four Calder Cup Playoff appearances.  

Originally selected by Tampa Bay in the third round (85th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft, Groshev has taken a patient development path. He has accumulated 181 games of AHL experience, all with Syracuse, notching 20 goals and 65 points over that span.  

With General Manager Julien BriseBois consistently navigating tight salary cap constraints, having dependable, cost-controlled depth options like Groshev who can seamlessly slide into the bottom pair during injuries is crucial. Because his $875K cap hit can be completely buried in the minors if necessary, this deal offers the Lightning zero-risk roster flexibility. While he will likely compete for a depth spot out of training camp, expect him to start the season logging heavy minutes in Syracuse, sitting at the very top of the Lightning’s recall list.