Lightning sign Charle-Edouard D’Astous to one-year extension

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced on Friday that they have signed defenseman Charle-Eduoard D’Astous to a one-year contract extension for the 2026-2027 season that is worth $875,000.

D’Astous, a 27-year-old from Quebec, is in the midst of his rookie season after being in forced into NHL action following a rash of injuries to Lightning defensemen. He’s proven to be quite impressive, as he’s posted 13 points (3 goals and 10 assists) in 33 games played while skating an average of 19:05 of time on ice per game.

He’s recorded 38 shots on goal and taken 39 minutes worth of penalties while posting two-game winning goals and power play points apiece.

Originally signed by the Lightning as an undrafted free agent, D’Astous is currently on a one-year deal that pays him the league minimum $775,000 at the NHL level. D’Astous signed the deal to come over to North America after spending last season with Brynäs IF of the SHL in Sweden, where he racked up 39 points in 49 games before tallying 8 points in 17 playoff games last year.

D’Astous has stepped up to play at a high level while veteran lefties Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh have each missed considerable time to this point in the season.

Despite those injuries, Tampa Bay has been able to overcome a slow start and maintain a firm grasp on a playoff spot in a tightly-packed Eastern Conference. Their 24-13-3 record has them tied for the best points percentage in the East.

The Lightning have a day off on Thursday in the midst of a stretch of three games in four days on their California road trip. Tampa Bay defeated the Anaheim Ducks in overtime on Wednesday and followed that up with a 5-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday. The Bolts will take on the San Jose Sharks on Saturday before they return home next Tuesday to take on the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche.