The Tampa Bay Lightning have locked down a fan favourite for the next few seasons. News emerged on Monday that the Lightning have signed Yanni Gourde to an extension. The deal is a six-year pact with a total value of $13.98 million. This deal has an average cap hit of $2.33 million per season runs until the end of the 2030-31 season.
Yanni Gourde 6 year $2.33M Cap Hit #Bolts deal:Yr 1 $1M Salary, 2.01M SBYr 2 $1M & 2.01M SBYr 3 1M & 1.56M SBYr 4 1M & 808K SBYr 5 1M & 806K SBYr 6 1M & 806K SBIncludes full No Trade Clause throughoutRep’d by Paul Corbeil of Paraphehttps://puckpedia.com/player/yanni-gourde?683dd7d6e0576
https://embed.bsky.app/static/embed.js
Yanni Gourde Given Six-Year Extension by Tampa Bay Lightning
Gourde has played for the Lightning and the Seattle Kraken over his 10-year NHL career. The 33-year-old recorded seven goals and 24 assists for 31 points in 57 games this campaign. He had a Corsi for of 52.8 and a relative Corsi of -0.3.
The Saint-Narcisse, Quebec native has 133 goals and 214 assists for 347 points in 602 career games. Tampa Bay originally signed him as an undrafted free agent in March 2014. Gourde was part of the Lightning teams that won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.
The veteran forward was taken by the Kraken in the expansion draft in 2021. He was dealt back to the Lightning as part of a three-team deal involving the Detroit Red Wings around the deadline.
Gourde missed a good part of the season due to injury. However, he returned just before the deadline and Seattle sent him back to Tampa Bay.
What It Means
Gourde has never broken more than 25 goals in a season, but he played a big hand in the Lightning’s championships a few seasons ago. He also seemed to come up with a key play to help Tampa Bay get over the hump during their run at the beginning of the decade.
The veteran forward does the little things well and helps other players shine. He works hard at both ends of the ice and Bolts General Manger Julien BriseBois has rewarded Gourde with a long-term deal.
The contract hit is also a friendly one that allows the Lightning some flexibility come July 1. Tampa Bay may not be too active, but this deal is a very friendly one.
Main photo by: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images
The post Tampa Bay Lightning Re-Sign Fan Favourite appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.