During a 2025-26 season in which the Tampa Bay Lightning have missed multiple defensemen due to injuries for extended periods of time, JJ Moser has repeatedly stepped up.<\/p>\n
The organization rewarded the steady defenseman on Saturday with an eight-year contract extension that keeps him in Tampa through the 2033-34 season at a $6.75 million average annual value (AAV).<\/p>\n
There was no doubt that Moser wanted to remain a Bolt.<\/p>\n
“Obviously you\u2019re having a good season. You\u2019re trying to get your future sorted out, and then the club as well wants to have some security and know what\u2019s going to go on in the future,\u201d Moser said. \u201cSo I think it was kind of mutual. The deal got together fairly quick. I think it was a good situation.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 25-year-old defender leads the Lightning in average time on ice this season, playing 21 minutes, 44 seconds per game. His +25 rating in plus\/minus is fifth-best in the NHL and second among defensemen behind only Colorado\u2019s Cale Makar, who paces all defensemen in scoring this season.<\/p>\n
Since being acquired in a trade with the Utah Mammoth in June 2024, Moser\u2019s +45 rating is third-best on the Lightning behind forwards Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli. He ranks fourth among all NHL defensemen in that time, one ahead of teammate Ryan McDonagh at +44.<\/p>\n
Moser has scored three goals and 12 points for Tampa Bay in 36 games in 2025-26. He leads the Lightning blue line in games played and is tied for second on the team in defensive scoring this season.<\/p>\n
Tampa Bay\u2019s coaching staff has repeatedly referred to him as an \u2018eraser\u2019 this season.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe just goes about his business and quietly is a complete, 200-foot defenseman,\u201d head coach Jon Cooper said of Moser in November. \u201cHe’s like an eraser. Every time something breaks down, he erases the mistake. And it’s great to have him back there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, Tampa Bay defensive assistant coach Rob Zettler complimented the defenseman\u2019s ability to break the puck out of the zone.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis ability to break the puck out under pressure has been excellent, going back for a puck with a guy right on him, making smart plays, those little slip plays to the middle,\u201d Zettler said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMo has been a big part of getting pucks out of our end and going down and playing offense. So I think those things have been really beneficial for us, obviously, and really helped his game. And then when he does play (defense), he\u2019s the eraser. He just rubs guys out, steals the puck and away we go. That\u2019s Mo.\u201d<\/p>\n
Moser said he wanted to stay in Tampa because of the relationships he\u2019s formed within the Lightning organization.<\/p>\n
\u201cFirst and foremost, it\u2019s the people. It\u2019s how the organization is run. From top to bottom, all the people are just awesome human beings, and I think that\u2019s most important if you decide to commit for a long time. And then obviously the city (being) nice is always good to have as an extra,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I think just the guys in this room and where the organization is going and how its run is most important, and I\u2019m super happy that I can stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n
It doesn\u2019t hurt knowing that the team is once again in the race for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, as they have been for the previous eight seasons.<\/p>\n