Breaking: Dan Girardi has chosen a new team after contract buyout.

The New York Rangers surprised many when they made the decision to buyout veteran defenseman Dan Girardi, and unsurprisingly he had no trouble finding himself a new team. 

While like all rumors concerning the upcoming free agent signings in the National Hockey League nothing will be official for Girardi until the 1st of July, however it sounds like he has made his choice. 

Tampa Bay Lightning insider Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times is now reporting that Girardi and the Lightning are close to finalizing a deal, and in fact may already have a deal in place for July 1st.

Girardi will be looking to have a bounce back season, and a perennial contender like the Lightning is a great place to do just that. Perhaps the most interesting part of this deal will be how much term the Lightning feel comfortable giving Girardi. 

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