Yanni Gourde Returns to Tampa Bay with a Six-Year Commitment
Hey everyone, I’ve got some exciting news coming out of the NHL world—Yanni Gourde is heading back to where it all began. That’s right, the 33-year-old forward has officially signed a six-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, locking in an average annual value of $2.33 million. It’s a homecoming story that’s both heartwarming and strategic, and here’s why this move is turning heads across the league.
Gourde, who could have tested the waters as an unrestricted free agent this July, chose instead to re-commit to the organization that gave him his first real shot in the NHL. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Lightning back in 2014, he’s worked his way from the shadows into the spotlight, racking up 347 points—133 goals and 214 assists—over the course of 602 regular-season games split between Tampa Bay and Seattle.
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Last season was a bit of a whirlwind for Gourde. He started with the Kraken, then got dealt back to Tampa in a three-team trade that also involved the Detroit Red Wings. And once he was back in that Bolts uniform, it was like he never left. In just 21 games after the trade, he put up 14 points—an impressive run late in the season. His total for the year ended at 31 points in 57 games. In the playoffs, he chipped in with one assist over five games, although the Lightning were knocked out in the first round by Florida.
Let’s not forget—Gourde is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, having helped Tampa lift the Cup in both 2020 and 2021. He’s no stranger to the pressures of playoff hockey and brings veteran leadership and relentless energy every time he hits the ice.
What makes this deal particularly fascinating is the context. Gourde just came off a previous six-year contract that was worth over $31 million—so this new one comes at a much more team-friendly price. That $2.33 million cap hit is a steal for a guy who can slot into your middle six, kill penalties, and lead by example. It’s clear that this deal isn’t just about money for him—it’s about legacy, loyalty, and unfinished business with a team he’s helped bring to the top before.
So here we are. Yanni Gourde is back in Tampa Bay, this time with a fresh six-year deal and a whole lot of drive. The Lightning know what they’ve got in him—a player who never quits, who understands the system, and who’s proven he can help bring home the biggest prize in hockey. Keep your eyes on the Bolts—this move could be the beginning of another serious Cup run.
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