Tampa Bay Lightning Secures Future with Yanni Gourde: Six-Year Contract Signed!

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning have just signed Yanni Gourde to a six-year deal averaging $2.33 million per year. This news comes straight from vice president and general manager Julien BriseBois.

Gourde, now 33, rejoined the Lightning in a trade involving the Detroit Red Wings and Seattle Kraken on March 5, 2025. In his recent season with the Kraken, he scored six goals and racked up 17 points across 36 games. Once back in Tampa, he shined in 21 games, contributing 13 assists and totaling 14 points with a solid plus-four rating. After his return, he was third on the team for assists and also made a noticeable impact with 50 hits.

Gourde is no stranger to playoff pressure. He played in all five games during the recent playoff run, ranking second among forwards for blocked shots and sixth for hits. This resilience is part of why he helped the Lightning clinch back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.

His journey is quite remarkable. Originally undrafted, Gourde became a free agent with the Lightning back in 2014. He made his NHL debut in 2015 and quickly made a name for himself, playing 310 regular-season games with Tampa. During that time, he notched up 80 goals and 187 points, placing him seventh in goals and eighth in points in Lightning history. His knack for creating opportunities was evident with five shorthanded goals and 20 game-winning goals during his tenure.

After being picked by Seattle in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft, Gourde continued to thrive, playing 271 games for the Kraken. He made his mark with 52 goals and 146 points, helping lead the team to its first playoff appearance in 2023. In the postseason, he excelled, leading Seattle with nine assists and 13 points.

In total, Gourde has played in 602 NHL games, tallied 133 goals, and earned 347 points. His playoff experience includes 88 games, where he scored 20 goals and accumulated 43 points, showcasing his steady performance on the ice.

Gourde’s story is a testament to perseverance and skill. With a strong track record in both regular and playoff seasons, fans and analysts alike are eager to see what he will bring to the Lightning in the coming years.

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