Yanni Gourde Inks 6-Year Deal with Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning have secured cornerstone forward Yanni Gourde to a six-year contract extension, carrying an AAV of $2.33 million. General Manager Julien BriseBois confirmed the move, emphasizing Gourde’s invaluable role in the team’s core.
Gourde’s Triumphant Return to Tampa
Reacquired in a March 2025 three-team trade involving Detroit and Seattle, Yanni Gourde immediately reignited his legacy with the Lightning.
In just 21 regular-season games, he tallied 13 assists and 14 points with a +4 rating. His physicality shone through 50 hits (2nd on the team), while his playmaking placed him 3rd in assists post-trade.
Playoff Pedigree Proven
Yanni Gourde appeared in all five of Tampa’s 2025 playoff clashes, ranking 2nd among forwards in blocked shots (6) and 6th in hits (9). This resilience mirrors his 2020–2021 back-to-back Stanley Cup performances with the Bolts, where he played every playoff game (69 total), leading in takeaways (47).
From Undrafted to Unstoppable
Yanni Gourde’s journey epitomizes perseverance:
- Signed as undrafted free agent (2014)
- NHL debut: Dec 15, 2015 (1st point vs. Toronto)
- 310 games with TB (2015–21): 80 goals, 187 points
- Franchise 2nd in shorthanded goals (5) during tenure
Seattle Stint: Building a Legacy
After selection in the 2021 Expansion Draft, Yanni Gourde became Seattle’s heartbeat:
- 271 games: 52 goals, 146 points
- 2023 playoff leader: 13 points, 9 assists, 18 takeaways
- Franchise records: All-time leader in takeaways (192)
By the Numbers: Gourde’s NHL Impact
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Career Games | 602 |
| Goals | 133 |
| Points | 347 |
| Playoff Appearances | 88 |
| Stanley Cups | 2 (2020, 2021) |
Leadership Beyond Stats
Teammates laud Yanni Gourde for relentless forechecking, penalty-kill mastery, and clutch performances. His 28 career game-winning goals underscore his “big moment” mentality.
FAQs: Yanni Gourde’s Career & Contract
What is Yanni Gourde’s new contract value?
6 years, $2.33 million AAV – a cap-friendly deal for Tampa.
How did Gourde perform after rejoining the Lightning?
14 points in 21 games, ranking Top 3 in assists and hits.
Why is Gourde considered a unique asset?
He’s a rare undrafted 2x Stanley Cup winner with elite defensive metrics (takeaways, PK prowess).
