Tampa Bay Lightning Lock in J.J. Moser with Long-Term Contract Extension

J.J. Moser has secured a significant eight-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, committing him to the franchise with an annual salary of $6.75 million. The deal was officially announced by the team on a Saturday just prior to their game against the Florida Panthers.

Moser joins a select group within the Lightning, becoming the fourth defenseman and tenth player overall on the current roster to hold a contract extending beyond three years. This group includes key figures such as Anthony Cirelli, Jake Guentzel, captain Victor Hedman, and Ryan McDonagh, according to PuckPedia.

The Lightning have faced challenges with injuries this season, especially among their top defensemen. Despite the absences of Eric Cernak, Hedman, and McDonagh, all playing fewer than 20 games each, Moser has emerged as a reliable presence. He leads the team in average ice time with over 21 minutes and 41 seconds across 34 of 36 games played.

Moser’s work ethic and dependability have brought stability to Tampa Bay’s defensive line, which has needed consistency amid ongoing roster adjustments. This season, he has contributed three goals and 12 points, approaching his previous season total of 15 points earned during 54 games in his rookie year with the Lightning.

Tampa Bay initially acquired Moser in a trade deal with the Utah Mammoth in June, which also involved sending star defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to Utah. Alongside Moser, the Lightning received forward prospect Conor Geekie and future draft picks—a seventh-round pick in the 2024 draft and a second-round pick in 2025.

Moser’s impact contributes to the Lightning’s competitive standing in the tightly contested Atlantic Division. As of late December, the team holds a 20-13-3 record, placing third in the division and trailing the first-place Detroit Red Wings by four points. Tampa Bay is tied with the Washington Capitals for the leading Eastern Conference wild-card position.

Looking ahead, Moser’s new contract precedes his expected participation in the upcoming Winter Olympics, where he will represent Switzerland. He is one of 11 active Swiss NHL players this season, joining notable names such as Kevin Fiala, Nico Hischier, Roman Josi, and Timo Meier.