Latest news with #YanniGourde
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lightning Make Major Roster Announcement Amid Offseason Rumors
Lightning Make Major Roster Announcement Amid Offseason Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Tampa Bay Lightning have made one of the first moves of the offseason. Tampa Bay has signed forward Yanni Gourde to a six-year contract worth an AAV of $2.33 million. Advertisement The team announced the move on social media. Gourde was re-acquired by the Lightning at the trade deadline this past season after spending the first part of the year with the Seattle Kraken. Over 21 games with the Lightning, Gourde registered 13 assists and one goal. With Seattle, he posted six goals and 11 assists over 36 games. Gourde is very familiar with the Lightning, having spent multiple seasons with the team. He helped Tampa Bay win two Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021, so he understands the pressure that comes from playing for this organization. The veteran left the team in 2021 via the NHL Expansion Draft. Over 271 games with the Kraken, Gourde put up 52 goals and 146 points. Advertisement But Tampa is glad to have him back in town, and this extension shows that. The Lightning are looking to replicate the success that they saw a few seasons ago, and Gourde was a big part of that. Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Yanni Gourde (37) helps goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) defend the goal against New York Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) during the second period in Nelson-Imagn Images Tampa Bay did make the postseason this year, but fell to the Florida Panthers in the first round. Despite being favored in the series, the Lightning just couldn't overcome the physicality that the Panthers had. This is the first of likely many moves from Tampa Bay this offseason, as they try to build a more competitive team. With Gourde in the mix, the Lightning have added some more depth to the roster. Related: NHL Insider Reignites Talk on Sabres' Interest in $92 Million Star Related: Oilers Predicted to Finally Break Long Canada Stanley Cup Curse This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'We're Right There': Gourde And Lightning Believe Championship Window Has Not Closed
The Tampa Bay Lightning's 'winning culture' played a large part in one of their top pending UFAs sticking around for the long term with a significantly lower cap hit. The Lightning re-signed Yanni Gourde to a six-year contract worth $2.33 million per season. Advertisement Gourde had an average annual value of $5,166,667 on his six-year contract that expires this summer. The Lightning had less than $6 million in cap space for next season, with 19 of 23 active roster spots filled. The 33-year-old's production is also not the same as when he signed his last contract extension in November 2018. He tallied a career-high 25 goals and 64 points in 82 games in 2017-18, his first full season in the NHL. He's hit 48 points three times since then, but not more. This year, he had 31 points in 57 games. But Gourde was part of the team's back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021, and he doesn't think their competitive window is closed. 'We want to win – I think we're right there,' Gourde said in Monday's press conference. 'I'm so excited for the future and what's coming.' Advertisement The undrafted center played parts of his first six NHL seasons with the Lightning. Ahead of the 2021-22 season, the Seattle Kraken claimed him in their expansion draft. Gourde had four years remaining on his expiring six-year contract worth $5.17 million annually. However, he returned to the Lightning two days before the trade deadline when they acquired him and right winger Oliver Bjorkstrand in a three-team trade with the Kraken and Detroit Red Wings. Tampa GM Julien BriseBois traded Michael Eyssimont, two first-round picks and a second-rounder for the former Kraken forwards. The Saint-Narcisse, Que., native shared how excited he was to return to the Lightning and that Tampa was always at the top of his list, whether it's a trade or a contract in free agency. Advertisement 'I love Tampa,' Gourde said. 'That was the biggest thing for me, getting some term… And play in Tampa for the remaining years of my career.' Yanni Gourde (Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images) In 21 regular-season games with the Lightning this season, Gourde recorded one goal and 13 assists while averaging 17 minutes of ice time. In the playoffs, he recorded one helper in five games against the Florida Panthers. Gourde also had six goals and 11 assists for 17 points in 36 games with the Kraken this year. The Lightning made a similar transaction in the 2024 off-season to re-acquire defenseman Ryan McDonagh. Like Gourde, he was a key piece of Tampa's back-to-back championships. Advertisement Although those two players are back in Tampa Bay, the Lightning made a difficult decision last year by letting their longtime captain, Steven Stamkos, hit free agency. The 35-year-old signed with the Nashville Predators instead, while the Lightning traded for the rights to 30-year-old Jake Guentzel and signed him to a seven-year contract worth $9 million annually. They also traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Mammoth in exchange for blueliner J.J. Moser, prospect Conor Geekie, a 2024 seventh-round draft pick and a 2025 second-rounder. Although the Lightning lost in the first round to the Florida Panthers for the second straight year, they finished second in the Atlantic Division for the first time since 2019-20. The Lightning also have a core of Brayden Point, Guentzel, Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli under contract through at least 2030. Gourde and defenseman Erik Cernak are also part of that group, while captain Victor Hedman and left winger Nick Paul are signed through 2028-29. Superstar right winger Nikita Kucherov still has two seasons left on his contract, while goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy has three years left. Advertisement Tampa Bay appears to have the parts in place to continue to strive for the Stanley Cup championship. Now, they just have to execute on that. 'The culture is the same culture that we had when we won,' Gourde said. Jonathan Tovell contributed to this report. Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on
National Post
02-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
Tampa Bay Lightning signs Yanni Gourde to a 6-year contract worth nearly $14M
Article content Yanni Gourde never really wanted to leave the Tampa Bay Lightning after helping them win the Stanley Cup. Now he might be able to finish out his time in the NHL with them. Article content Article content Gourde signed a six-year deal Monday worth just under $14 million, keeping him under contract through the 2030-31 season at a salary cap hit of $2.33 million. Article content 'I wanted to stay in Tampa for a long time,' Gourde said on a video call with reporters. 'That was the biggest thing for me was getting some term and be able to stay and play in Tampa for the remaining years of my career. That was the biggest part. I'm so excited that we could make this happen.' Article content Gourde was a big part of Tampa Bay winning back-to-back titles in 2020 and '21. Seattle took Gourde in the expansion draft that summer coming off the second Cup run, and he played three-plus seasons for the Kraken. Article content The Lightning reacquired the 33-year-old center ahead of the trade deadline in March. General manager Julien BriseBois at the time expressed confidence in getting Gourde signed after sending a couple of conditional first-round picks and more to Seattle for him and Oliver Bjorkstrand. Article content 'I was hoping it would be a possibility, but you never know until the negotiation starts,' Gourde said. 'Obviously Tampa's always been at the top of my list when I was in Seattle if I were to get traded again or go somewhere else or sign as a free agent. When March came and I was traded here, I was so excited to come back.' Article content Gourde missed several weeks during this past regular season with a sports hernia and subsequent surgery. He also broke a finger in Tampa Bay's first-round loss to defending champion Florida, and despite that early exit believes the team's Stanley Cup window is wide open. Article content 'Obviously a disappointing end of the season in the first round, but this group was really good and I really believe in this group,' Gourde said. 'The biggest aspect is just trying to find a way to win, find a way to perform, find a way to be proud to wear that Tampa Bay Lightning jersey. Obviously the ultimate goal is to win a championship.' Article content
Toronto Sun
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Tampa Bay Lightning signs Yanni Gourde to a 6-year contract worth nearly $14M
Published Jun 02, 2025 • 2 minute read Tampa Bay Lightning centre Yanni Gourde skates before an NHL hockey game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, April 9, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. Photo by Chris O'Meara / AP Yanni Gourde never really wanted to leave the Tampa Bay Lightning after helping them win the Stanley Cup. Now he might be able to finish out his time in the NHL with them. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Gourde signed a six-year deal Monday worth just under $14 million, keeping him under contract through the 2030-31 season at a salary cap hit of $2.33 million. 'I wanted to stay in Tampa for a long time,' Gourde said on a video call with reporters. 'That was the biggest thing for me was getting some term and be able to stay and play in Tampa for the remaining years of my career. That was the biggest part. I'm so excited that we could make this happen.' Gourde was a big part of Tampa Bay winning back-to-back titles in 2020 and '21. Seattle took Gourde in the expansion draft that summer coming off the second Cup run, and he played three-plus seasons for the Kraken. The Lightning reacquired the 33-year-old center ahead of the trade deadline in March. General manager Julien BriseBois at the time expressed confidence in getting Gourde signed after sending a couple of conditional first-round picks and more to Seattle for him and Oliver Bjorkstrand. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I was hoping it would be a possibility, but you never know until the negotiation starts,' Gourde said. 'Obviously Tampa's always been at the top of my list when I was in Seattle if I were to get traded again or go somewhere else or sign as a free agent. When March came and I was traded here, I was so excited to come back.' Gourde missed several weeks during this past regular season with a sports hernia and subsequent surgery. He also broke a finger in Tampa Bay's first-round loss to defending champion Florida, and despite that early exit believes the team's Stanley Cup window is wide open. 'Obviously a disappointing end of the season in the first round, but this group was really good and I really believe in this group,' Gourde said. 'The biggest aspect is just trying to find a way to win, find a way to perform, find a way to be proud to wear that Tampa Bay Lightning jersey. Obviously the ultimate goal is to win a championship.' Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs Olympics Toronto Raptors Crime
New York Times
02-06-2025
- Business
- New York Times
How the Lightning benefit short and long term from 6-year deal to keep Yanni Gourde through age 39
Yanni Gourde just became the first 33-year-old forward to land a six-year contract since the NHL introduced a salary cap two decades ago. It's no coincidence that he signed his deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Bolts front office seeks out surplus value wherever it can find it, and general manager Julien BriseBois tried (and failed) to pursue similarly structured deals with Alex Killorn and Steven Stamkos before they left town as unrestricted free agents the past two summers. Advertisement In getting Gourde to agree to a six-year extension carrying a $2.33 million average annual value Monday, BriseBois inked a deal with very few comparables. Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev and Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang are the only other players to get that long of a commitment at the same age since 2011, according to PuckPedia, and neither of them was a middle-six winger on the cusp of free agency. Gourde's deal includes signing-bonus payments due each year to mitigate any future risk of a buyout and a full no-trade clause to guarantee he remains in Tampa as long as he wants to be there. Yanni Gourde 6 year $2.33M Cap Hit #Bolts deal: Yr 1 $1M Salary, 2.01M Signing BonusYr 2 $1M & 2.01M SBYr 3 1M & 1.56M SBYr 4 1M & 808K SBYr 5 1M & 806K SBYr 6 1M & 806K SB Includes full No Trade Clause throughout Rep'd by Paul Corbeil of Paraphehttps:// — PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) June 2, 2025 However, what makes the contract especially unique is the fact that Gourde had leverage and still wound up with a salary cap number that will immediately be reduced by roughly 55 percent from where it was previously. This comes at a time when the cap is taking a significant jump leaguewide, and it arms the Lightning with the space needed to build a better roster in the immediate term. In exchange, Gourde gets to remain with an organization he loves while locking in a significant amount of security coming off a season where he lost 25 games to a groin injury. Gourde first established himself as a full-time NHLer with Tampa Bay, winning Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021, before landing with the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft. The Lightning then reacquired him ahead of the March 7 trade deadline with the belief it would be able to keep him long term. Advertisement 'He's still a really good player,' BriseBois said of Gourde at the time. 'His main quality is his speed, his competitiveness, his relentlessness, his fearlessness. He still has all that.' Gourde also owns eight consecutive seasons with at least 30 points and brings versatility as a winger who can line up down the middle. The Lightning's contractual bet can effectively be boiled down to a belief that he'll deliver excess value at the beginning of the deal and fair value through its middle portion before leaving the organization with some outs once he hits the age of 38 or 39 seasons, if needed. In the event that he's not healthy at that juncture, Gourde can be placed on long-term injured reserve. If he's still able to play but is ineffective, most of his cap hit will almost certainly be eligible to be buried in the AHL at that point. And if Gourde is still performing in Years 5 and 6, the Lightning just hit a towering home run with this contract. No matter how it plays out, they've assumed very little risk while showing some ingenuity at the bargaining table. Any discussion about the tax advantages Sun Belt teams enjoy should also factor in how well-run the Lightning and Stanley Cup-bound Florida Panthers have been while constructing organizations that few can match. A fundamental operating principle for BriseBois has always been to borrow from the future to improve the present. He verbalized that after acquiring Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand from Seattle in March for two first-round picks and a second-rounder. 'I'd rather have a lineup full of good players than a bank of a ton of draft picks,' BriseBoise said. 'Because I think ultimately, what we're trying to do is win hockey games. We want to win a lot of hockey games this season, next season, every season. We're chasing a championship now this season, but we're going to be chasing a championship next season and for the foreseeable future. Advertisement 'So if I can use those picks to help me accomplish those objectives of winning as many hockey games as possible and chasing championships, I think that's my job to go ahead and get those transactions done and acquire those players.' The other part of the equation is keeping those players on contracts that they're likely to outperform on the ice. In signing Gourde beyond his 39th birthday, he's done just that.
