The Tampa Bay Lightning organization has officially announced the signing of forward Scott Sabourin to a one-year, two-way contract. This transaction represents a standard procedure for bolstering organizational depth, with the player primarily anticipated to join the ranks of the team`s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate.
Sabourin, a 32-year-old forward, brings a considerable amount of professional experience, largely accumulated within the AHL system. Standing at 6`4″ and weighing 207 pounds, his physical attributes align with a direct, robust style of play.
Having gone undrafted at the beginning of his career, Sabourin commenced his professional journey in 2013. His path has involved playing for numerous AHL franchises, demonstrating longevity and adaptability in the minor league environment. During the recently concluded 2024-2025 season, he served in a leadership capacity as an alternate captain for the San Jose Barracuda, the primary AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks. In 68 games with the Barracuda, he posted a statistical line of 10 goals and 25 points.
His tenure in the National Hockey League (NHL) has been markedly less extensive. Sabourin appeared in just a single NHL game last season with the San Jose Sharks, logging approximately 10 minutes and 27 seconds of ice time. Over his career, which spans five seasons and includes previous engagements with the Ottawa Senators (on two separate occasions), the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Sharks, Sabourin has participated in a total of 47 NHL contests, recording 2 goals and 8 points. A unique footnote in his brief NHL history is scoring his first career goal on his very first shot while playing for the Senators in 2019.
In stark contrast to his limited NHL exposure, Sabourin`s AHL resume is substantial. Across 532 games played for teams including the Barracuda, Belleville Senators, Toronto Marlies, Stockton Heat, San Diego Gulls, Iowa Wild, Ontario Reign, and Manchester Monarchs, he has accumulated 88 goals and 181 points.
The nature of the one-year, two-way contract dictates that Sabourin`s compensation rate will vary based on whether he is assigned to the NHL roster or the AHL roster. This contract structure is customary for players expected to spend the majority of their time in the minor leagues while remaining available for potential recall to the parent club. For the Lightning organization, Sabourin is likely viewed as a veteran presence to reinforce the Syracuse Crunch lineup, providing experience, character, and a physical dimension as required. This signing is not projected to significantly impact the Lightning`s primary NHL roster composition but represents a practical move to ensure organizational depth and readiness across their professional affiliates.
