As the Tampa Bay Lightning gear up to face their in-state rival, the Florida Panthers, following the holiday break, they have received promising news about the future of their roster. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has reported that general manager Julien BriseBois is nearing a significant contract extension for defenseman JJ Moser.
The extension is expected to last eight years, with an impressive average annual value of $6.75 million. While this figure represents a substantial investment, Moser’s contributions to the team have made him well deserving of such a deal.
Moser, who was originally a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft by the Arizona Coyotes—now the Utah Mammoth—was traded to Tampa Bay in June 2024 in exchange for defenseman Mikhail Sergachev and two draft picks. Since then, he has proved to be a reliable player on the Lightning’s blue line. In the current season, Moser has participated in 34 games, scoring 3 goals and recording 9 assists, while averaging approximately 21:42 of ice time per game. This is particularly noteworthy considering the injuries the Lightning have faced on defense.
Playing alongside fellow defenseman Darren Raddysh, Moser has been tasked with facing the team’s toughest opponents, especially during a time when veteran players like Victor Hedman and Erik Cernak are sidelined. His ability to consistently perform under pressure has earned him this lucrative extension.
At just 25 years old, Moser’s skills are already showing promise, and with the trust of head coach Jon Cooper, he appears set for a bright future with Tampa. This extension secures Moser’s place with the Lightning until 2033, allowing the coaching staff ample time to further develop his skills, reinforcing the team’s defensive stability moving forward.
BriseBois has made a shrewd move by locking in this young talent, especially considering Moser’s strong performance leading up to the holiday break. As the Lightning look to solidify their roster amidst ongoing challenges, this extension signals a commitment to nurturing their promising assets.