Victor Hedman, Lightning Agree on New Contract: Details, Comments, Reaction

The Tampa Bay Lightning continue their big-spending this offseason, re-signing star defenseman Victor Hedman to an eight-year extension. 

Hedman confirmed his extension on Twitter: 

Per Ian McLaren of The Score, Hedman's extension is worth $63 million. 

The Lightning have been very busy already this summer. They answered their biggest question before free agency started, re-signing Steven Stamkos to an eight-year deal of his own that will pay him $8.5 million per season, per Bob McKenzie of TSN.

Dan Rosen of NHL.com believes that Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman deserves some hardware for his efforts with Hedman and Stamkos:

Hedman's agent Peter Wallen told Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times that the "overall fit for Victor is perfect" and that he didn't "want to go anywhere else." Smith also noted the deal includes a full no-trade clause. 

The Lightning came into the offseason facing tremendous uncertainty, most of it revolving around Stamkos. Hedman was entering the final year of a five-year deal he signed before the 2012-13 season. 

As soon as Stamkos decided to stay in Tampa Bay, it seemed to open the floodgates. It was a signal that the core of this team that finished second in the Atlantic Division and reached the Eastern Conference Finals this season one year after winning the Stanley Cup is intent on building something special. 

Hedman is a critical piece of the puzzle as a defenseman with a great scoring touch. His 47 points last season marked his second-best total, behind 55 in 2013-14.

His signing not only helps the Lightning relax about not having one of their best players entering a walk year, but it also opens things up to other free agents interested in finding a winning situation to join the team. 

Everything is coming up aces for the Lightning this week.