Tampa, FL -- (Sports Network) - The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed newly- acquired defenseman Andrej Meszaros to a six-year contract.

Meszaros was acquired from Ottawa on Friday in exchange for defensemen Filip Kuba and Alexandre Picard, as well as a first-round draft pick in 2009.

"The acquisition and signing of Andrej is a strong statement to our players and our fans that the Lightning ownership group is committed to putting the best product on the ice now and for years to come," executive vice president of hockey operations Brian Lawton said. "The Lightning are extremely pleased to have Andrej under contract for the next six years. Andrej will be a very big part of our hockey club moving forward. At 22 years of age he will only continue to improve and mature as a player. NHL defensemen typically don't hit their prime until 25-26 years of age and we look forward to working with Andrej throughout that time and beyond."

Meszaros posted nine goals and 36 points in 82 games for Ottawa last season. Over a three-year NHL career, all with the Sens, the native of Slovakia has recorded 26 goals, 110 points and 213 penalty minutes in 246 contests. He has yet to miss a game in his career.

"I'm excited to be joining the Lightning," Meszaros said. "I'm extremely happy to be heading to Tampa Bay and I can't wait to take advantage of this opportunity. We should have a great team and I can not wait to get started."

The Lightning have had a busy offseason, starting with the ownership change in June. The club also named Barry Melrose its new head coach, signed Vincent Lecavalier to an 11-year contract, reached an agreement with the first-overall pick in the draft, Steve Stamkos, traded defenseman Dan Boyle to San Jose, and inked free agent forwards Ryan Malone, Vaclav Prospal and Gary Roberts.