Following the Tampa Bay Lightning's 2025 playoff exit, one of the questions surrounding the team was what they would do regarding their backup goalie spot. Jonas Johansson was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but now that will not happen. This is because the Bolts announced on May 7 that they have signed Johansson to a two-year, $2.5 million contract extension.

With this move, Johansson will remain as the Lightning's backup goalie moving forward and has gotten a nice raise from his previous $775,000 average annual value. This roster move also impacts Lightning star goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy.

With Johansson staying put, Vasilevskiy's workload will very likely continue to be among the highest of all NHL goaltenders. Johansson has made just 45 appearances over the last two seasons with the Lightning, which included only 19 games in 2024-25. Vasilevskiy, on the other hand, was tied with Connor Hellebuyck for the most starts this season with 63.  

Furthermore, during the 2023-24 campaign with the Lightning, Vasilevskiy still made 52 starts after not making his season debut until late November. Johansson made a career-high 26 appearances that season but only played four games from February to March. 

Vasilevskiy has shown that he can handle a larger workload, as he has made at least 60 appearances in four different seasons. With the Lightning extending Johansson instead of bringing in a potential backup upgrade, Vasilevskiy is likely to still be among the NHL goaltenders with the most starts from here. 

In 63 games this season with the Lightning, Vasilevskiy had a 38-20-5 record, a .921 save percentage, and a 2.18 goals-against average. In five playoff games against the Florida Panthers, he posted a 1-4 record, a 3.27 goals-against average, and a .872 save percentage. 

Recent Lightning News 

3 Lightning Who Could Get Contract Extensions Next The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> made a move on May 7, <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-sign-goaltender-jonas-johansson-to-two-year-contract-extension">signing goaltender Jonas Johansson</a> to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of $1.25 million. With this, the 29-year-old will remain the Lightning's backup goaltender moving forward.

Ex-Lightning Corey Perry Has Clutch Playoff Game The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> may be out of the playoffs, but multiple of their former players are still competing for the Stanley Cup. Veteran forward Corey Perry is among them, as the 39-year-old is currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers in their second-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Lightning Have Decision To Make With Defenseman The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> are preparing for what should be a busy off-season for them. While they had a strong regular-season in 2024-25, they struggled in the playoffs, losing in the first round in just five games to the Florida Panthers. As a result, the Lightning now have decisions to make when it comes to their roster this summer.

Tampa Bay Lightning Bring In New Defenseman The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a>'s season came to an end with their first-round series loss to the Florida Panthers. Now, the Lightning are already getting ready for next season, as they have made a new addition.