Lightning replace Josh Archibald after he quits the team.

A rather unexpected story on Saturday has left many fans of the Tampa Bay Lightning in stunned surprise, but it has also created an opportunity for veteran National Hockey League player Tyler Motte.

Earlier today I reported that recently signed Lightning forward Josh Archibald had suddenly quit on the team just months after signing his two year deal ($1.6 million). Archibald informed his team that he would not be reporting to training camp and was likely done with hockey for now, leaving to him being placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination.

The Lightning have however responded very quickly and in what is believed to be a corresponding move they have now added another veteran forward in the form of Tyler Motte. Motte, a veteran of 331 NHL games, has been signed to a one year deal that will carry the same cap hit as the deal signed by Archibald with his contract worth $800,000 over the course of this upcoming season.

This will give the Lightning a little more flexibility moving forward given that they are no longer on the hook for the second year of Archibald's deal, with Motte's deal expiring at the end of the season.

Motte has recorded 43 goals and added 38 assists over his NHL career for a total of 81 points, and he has shown himself capable of adapting to different systems with time spent with the Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, and most recently the Ottawa Senators.

Again I would like to wish Archibald and his family the best, and I would like to congratulate Motte for getting another NHL contract and prolonging his NHL career by at least one more year.