The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenseman Charle-Edouard D’Astous to a one-year contract extension, keeping him in Tampa through the 2026-27 season at an $875,000 average annual value. The 27-year-old has made an immediate impact in his first NHL season, contributing offensively and physically amid injuries to key blueliners. D’Astous expressed gratitude for the opportunity and his desire to continue proving himself.
Charle-Edouard D’Astous's path to the NHL has been unconventional, marked by stints in Europe, the ECHL, and the AHL before signing with the Lightning this offseason. The 6-foot-2 veteran impressed overseas, earning the 2025 Swedish Hockey League Defenseman of the Year award with Brynäs IF, where he recorded 12 goals and 39 points en route to a regular-season title. Prior to that, he spent two seasons in the Finnish Elite League, winning best defenseman honors and the Juha Rantasila Trophy as the top goal-scoring blueliner.
Recalled from the AHL in late October, D’Astous made his NHL debut on October 25. In his rookie season, he has notched three goals and 13 points in 33 games, ranking third among Lightning defensemen in goals, assists, and points. His 39 penalty minutes rank second on the blue line, and he shares the team lead for defensemen with two game-winning goals, tied with Darren Raddysh.
Since his debut, the Lightning have compiled a 23-9-1 record, securing the fourth-most standings points in the league. D’Astous has filled critical roles, stepping up during injuries to captain Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh, Erik Cernak, and Emil Lilleberg. He has played various lineup spots, including time on the power play and penalty kill.
“Coming in, getting the chance to play that much, I'm very fortunate for the coaches that they have confidence in me and they're putting me in all those situations and playing a lot of minutes,” D’Astous said. “Obviously it hurts when you see guys miss games... but I'm very happy that the coaches trust me and give me the chance to prove myself and be able to contribute more to the team's success.”
The extension negotiations moved quickly, reflecting mutual interest. “It went pretty fast, to be honest,” D’Astous noted. “I wanted to stay here, and I think the team wanted me to stay here, too. I’m so happy and grateful that I can continue my journey with Tampa.”
Reflecting on his career, he added: “If I look back on my journey, my career so far, if you would have told me when I was 21, 22, or when I was in Europe that today I would sign a one-way deal for next year, it would have been hard to believe.”
D’Astous remains driven, stating: “I want to make a difference every day. Every time I'm in the lineup I want to help the team win... Now that I’ve proven that I can be here, I want to prove that I can make a difference.” This deal secures his first one-way NHL contract, a milestone in his perseverance.
