The Lightning have added some grit up front for their system as the team announced that they’ve signed winger Scott Sabourin to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms were not disclosed but PuckPedia reports (Twitter link) that it’s worth $775K in the NHL, $250K in the minors, and has a guaranteed payout of $350K.
The 32-year-old has seen NHL action in five of the last six seasons but it has been minimal, to say the least. Sabourin played in just one game last season with the Sharks, an outing in late January. Over his career, he has made 47 appearances at the top level, picking up two goals and six assists along with 103 hits and 58 penalty minutes.
Sabourin has been much more of a factor in the minors, however. Last season, he notched 10 goals and 15 assists plus 111 penalty minutes in 68 games with San Jose’s AHL affiliate, the Barracuda. That extended his streak of consecutive seasons with double-digit goals and at least 100 penalty minutes to three. Overall, he has 88 goals, 93 assists, and 1,223 penalty minutes in 532 AHL contests over parts of 12 seasons.
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent back in 2013, Sabourin has now signed eight NHL contracts across six different organizations. He’s likely to begin next season with AHL Syracuse while being a recall option if Tampa Bay decides that they want some extra physicality in the lineup for certain matchups.