Josh Archibald’s contract is terminated in a flash and Tyler Motte is signed

Article content

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Lightning terminated veteran forward Josh Archibald’s contract Saturday after the offseason acquisition informed the team he would be taking time off from hockey.

Article content

As a replacement, the Lightning signed free agent Tyler Motte to a one-year contract worth $800,000.

Article content

“I was informed by Josh’s agent, and in a subsequent conversation by Josh himself, that he had no plans to play hockey for the time being and that he would not report to training camp,” Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois said. “Consequently, Josh has been placed on unconditional waivers… with the intent of terminating his contract.”

The 30-year-old Archibald, who played parts of nine seasons for Pittsburgh, Arizona and Edmonton, signed a two-year contract with Tampa Bay after playing 62 games for the Penguins last season.

Motte, 28, played for the Ottawa Senators and New York Rangers last season, scoring eight goals and setting career highs in assists (11) and points (19) in 62 games.