TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 3 -- The Tampa Bay Lightning Thursday re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Andrei Zyuzin to a one-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Zyuzin, 22, was chosen second overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 1996 draft. He was acquired by the Lightning last August, and appeared in 34 games with Tampa Bay before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery.
"Andrei is a very talented and committed young man," said Lightning General Manager Rick Dudley. "Unfortunately, his development was cut short last year, but an injury that had bothered him for years is now 100 percent so we're happy he had the surgery when he did. He should be a big part of our rise this season."
The 6-1, 200-pounder has appeared in 115 NHL games over the past three seasons, tallying 11 goals and 17 assists. He had two goals and nine assists with a plus-minus rating of minus-11 for the Lightning last season.
"I'm happy to get the deal done so I can concentrate on the season," Zyuzin said. "I've put the injury behind me, and I just want to have a great season and help the team."
