Tampa Bay signs Minnesota-Duluth sophomore Brown

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed Minnesota-Duluth sophomore forward J.T. Brown to a two-year contract that runs through the 2012-13 season.

“We are pleased to announce J.T.’s signing with the Lightning,” said Tampa Bay GM Steve Yzerman in a statement. “He has all the top characteristics we look for in a player, including high skill and compete levels. We’re glad he chose to play for the Lightning and we look forward to getting him in the lineup as quickly as possible.”

Brown played in 39 games with the Bulldogs this season, recording 24 goals and 47 points. He was the Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player in 2011 as UMD topped Michigan in overtime for the national championship.

Brown will join the Lightning later this week and will most likely see action for the team this season, according to the Tampa Bay news release.