Lightning re-sign Gratton

"We are extremely excited to have Chris back in the fold for next season," said club vice president of hockey operations Brian Lawton. "He is a true professional that fits in perfectly with our plan to be a tough team to play against."

The 33-year-old Ontario native was the third-overall pick of Tampa back in the 1993 draft, and spent his first four seasons with the club.

He set career highs with 30 goals and 62 points in 1996-97 and was then signed by the Flyers as a free agent prior to the 1997-98 season. After a disappointing one-plus seasons in Philly, Gratton returned to the Lightning in December, 1998 and remained there until late in the 1999-2000 season.

Following stints with Buffalo, Phoenix and Colorado, Gratton spent two seasons (2005-07) with the Florida Panthers before returning to Tampa last June.

Heading into his 16th NHL season, Gratton has racked up 214 goals, 565 points and 1,626 penalty minutes in 1,068 games.