Reports: Joseph signs ELC with Tampa

According to reports, Saint John Sea Dogs forward Mathieu Joseph has signed an entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

UPDATE: The Lightning have made the deal official.

From TSN's Bob McKenzie:

To that end, I believe TB just signed Mathieu Joseph (who's on Team CAN for WJC) to his entry-level contract. Likely will be more of them.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) December 24, 2016

From Mathieu Joseph's bother, Pierre-Olivier, who plays with the Charlottetown Islanders:

Congrats on your first contract in the NHL brother❤️ Well deserve! Have fun at the world junior🇨🇦 love u

— P.O Joseph (@POJoseph15) December 24, 2016

From Bokondji Imama:

Congrats to my man @MathJoseph7 for signing his 1st NHL contract ⚡️⚡️ #allYouCanEatSushiOnYou?

— Boko Imama (@bokojr) December 24, 2016

And the Sea Dogs equipment staff:

Not a bad week for @MathJoseph7 .. makes team Canada and signs his 1st @NHL contract! Both are the result of hard work.. proud of you!

— DK (@SeaDogsDK) December 24, 2016

Huge congrats to @MathJoseph7 on signing with the Lightning! #WellDeserved

— Tyler Jay (@tylerjay95) December 24, 2016

Joseph, a fourth-round pick of the Lightning in the 2015 NHL Draft, has 25 goals and 20 assists in just 29 games with Saint John this season.

He'll remain with the Sea Dogs for the remainder of the season - which will likely be his last in the QMJHL.

The 19-year-old forward is currently with Canada's world junior team, which will begin tournament play on Boxing Day in Toronto. In three exhibition games with the squad, Joseph has one assist.