J.J. Moser has just signed an impressive eight-year, $54 million deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning, starting next season. This contract averages out to $6.75 million each year.
At 25, Moser has been having a solid season. He’s tallied 12 points (three goals and nine assists) in 35 games and leads the Lightning with a plus-25 rating, ranking second among NHL defensemen overall.
With the potential of becoming a restricted free agent soon, Moser expressed his satisfaction after their recent 4-2 victory against the Florida Panthers. “It’s mutual,” he shared, highlighting the shared goal of securing the future. “The deal came together quickly, and it felt right for both sides.”
Moser plays an average of 21 minutes and 44 seconds per game, making him a key player for the Lightning, especially with Victor Hedman sidelined due to injuries. His consistent performance positions him as a strong candidate for Team Switzerland at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. So far, he has accumulated 26 points (five goals and 21 assists) across 89 regular-season games with Tampa Bay.
Originally drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in 2021, he was traded to Tampa Bay in 2024 as part of the Mikhail Sergachev deal. Throughout his 294 regular-season games with both teams, Moser has scored 98 points and holds a plus-18 rating.
What stands out for Moser is the organization’s culture. “First and foremost, it’s the people,” he stated. “The way the team is run has made this commitment easy and meaningful.”
With hockey becoming more analytical, stats show that players like Moser, who excel in both offense and defense, are invaluable. Recent studies indicate that defensemen with higher plus-minus ratings tend to correlate with more successful teams. This adds depth to Moser’s importance to the Lightning as they aim for the Stanley Cup.
The excitement around Moser’s deal reflects a growing trend in the NHL, where teams are investing in young, talented players for long-term success. As fans look ahead, Moser is one to watch, both now and in the upcoming Winter Olympics.
For additional insights on player contracts and team dynamics, you can refer to [NHL.com](https://www.nhl.com) for the latest updates and analysis.
