The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that they’ve come to terms with defenceman Mark Barberio on a one-year deal that will keep the 23-year-old with the organization in 2013-14.
A Montreal native, Barberio has spent the last three seasons with the Lightnings top affiliates in Norfolk and Syracuse. In a combined 215 regular season games between the two clubs, the offensive defenceman has tallied 30 goals and 104 assists.
Described by EliteProspects as having a heavy shot and the tools to become a talented offensive defenceman, the scouting and statistics site also cites a need for the 2012-13 AHL All-Star to improve on his own end of the ice.
In 18 playoff games with the Crunch last season, Barberio thrilled Syrcause fans with an outstanding 15 points (3-12). While the Crunch came up short of having their roster repeat as Calder Cup Champions — the team had done so before, under the Norfolk Admirals banner — Barberio was still able to give them something to cheer about and look forward to, as he lead all defenceman in scoring in the playoffs.
Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but the contract is a two-way pact that will see Barberio in the AHL for a good amount of time.
