The Short King has found a new kingdom to rule over.

Former Capitals forward Conor Sheary has signed a deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning to help with their middle six. Contract details are not yet known.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was the first to report the news.

Conor Sheary to TB

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2023

A favorite of Peter Laviolette’s to plug in anywhere, Sheary averaged 16 goals a year during his three seasons in DC, scoring 19 times — the second most of his career — during the 2021-22 season.

Sheary was utilized primarily in the middle six at even strength, but got long spells on the top line. Sheary registered a career-high seven power-play points during the 2022-23 season as Washington scuffled through injury to top stars. He also became a regular on the penalty kill, posting a career-high 138:09 of ice time shorthanded.

Sheary also comes with a championship pedigree. He won the Stanley Cup twice as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Capitals had reportedly been trying to extend Sheary since last summer. Those negotiations continued up to the trade deadline in 2023, but the two sides could not strike a deal, allowing Sheary to test the market.

This story is developing.

Headline photo: Alan Dobbins/RMNB