Lightning sign 2nd rounder Stephens to entry-level deal

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed center Mitchell Stephens - their 33rd overall draft selection last summer - to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Stephens was limited to just 39 games in his injury-shortened third season with the OHL's Saginaw Spirit. He contributed 38 points, by far his highest rate in Major Junior, and also represented Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championship.

Tampa Bay did not select in the first round last summer, spending its first draft pick on Stephens.