Lightning hook Purcell with three-year extension

Tampa Bay Lightning's Teddy Purcell (L) shoots past Edmonton Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin during the shootout in their NHL hockey game in Tampa, Florida March 22, 2012.

(Reuters) - The Tampa Bay Lightning have secured winger Teddy Purcell by signing him to a three-year contract extension, the National Hockey League (NHL) team said on Tuesday.

Purcell was entering the final season of a two-year deal, but the Lightning offered him an extension through 2016 with a new three-year contract worth $13.5 million, according to local media reports.

Purcell enjoyed a stellar campaign last season, scoring 24 goals and 41 assists while playing in 81 games.

After playing parts of three seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, the 26-year-old Purcell joined the Lightning in 2010 and has steadily improved.

"I felt like the past two seasons I've really played to my strengths, which have helped me become a full-time NHL player with Tampa Bay," Purcell told the Lightning's website (lightning.nhl.com).

"I really don't think there is a better fit for me and I still believe I can get better every day, so I'm looking forward to remaining with the Lightning and taking my game another step."

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; editing by Amlan Chakraborty)