ICYMI: Vasilevsky signs monster deal with Lightning

In case you missed it, the Tampa Bay Lightning signed goaltender Andrei Vasilevsky to a monster contract earlier today, locking him up for eight years at $9.5 million per season.

Check it out:

Read below for the full press release announcement of this signing, courtesy of the Lightning's official website:

TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed Vezina Trophy winning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy to an eight-year contract worth an AAV of $9.5-million, vice president and general manager Julien BriseBois announced today.

"I'm very excited to sign this extension with the Lightning today," Vasilevskiy said. "I'd like to thank the entire organization, including Mr. Vinik, Julien BriseBois and the great Bolts fans, for making this such a great place to play and live for me and my family."

"The Lightning are very proud to extend Andrei for another eight years today," BriseBois said. "Since joining the organization Andrei has shown unmatched work ethic and professionalism both on and off the ice. We look forward to him continuing his career in Tampa Bay for the foreseeable future." 

Vasilevskiy, 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, played in 53 games for the Lightning last season, posting a 39-10-4 record to go along with a 2.40 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage. He set career highs for goals-against average and save percentage en route to becoming Tampa Bay's first Vezina Trophy-winner as the NHL's top goaltender. Vasilevskiy led the NHL for wins, was ninth for goals-against average, tied for sixth for save percentage and tied for fourth for shutouts with six. He was selected to represent the Lightning at the NHL All-Star Game for the second time in 2019. 

The Tyumen, Russia native has played in 208 career NHL games, all with the Lightning, posting a 124-59-15 record with a 2.55 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage with 18 shutouts. He is Tampa Bay's all-time leader for saves with 5,819 and shutouts. Vasilevskiy has also skated in 33 career Stanley Cup Playoff games with a 15-15 record, including a 2.83 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage.

Vasilevskiy, 25, joined Team Russia for the 2019 IIHF World Championships this summer and helped backstop the team to the Bronze Medal. He led all tournament goaltenders for save percentage with .946, tied for the lead with two shutouts and was second for goals-against average with 1.60.

Tampa Bay drafted Vasilevskiy in the first round, 19th overall, of the 2012 NHL Draft.