The Tampa Bay Lightning made a move on May 7, signing goaltender Jonas Johansson to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of $1.25 million. With this, the 29-year-old will remain the Lightning's backup goaltender moving forward.
The Lightning still have multiple other players with expiring contracts, so let's look at three pending free agents who they could sign to contract extensions next.
Yanni Gourde
The Lightning reunited with Gourde at the trade deadline, and he fit back in nicely. This was especially the case during the regular-season, as he posted 14 points in 21 games with the Lightning after being acquired from the Seattle Kraken.
With Gourde being an impactful top-nine forward who chips in offensively, kills penalties, and provides plenty of grit, it would be understandable if the Bolts tried to keep him around. However, it ultimately could depend on the 33-year-old's asking price.
Gage Goncalves
The Lightning will surely work to extend Goncalves, as the 24-year-old broke out for the Atlantic Division club this season. The pending restricted free agent posted new career highs with eight goals, 12 assists, and 20 points in 60 regular-season games this campaign with the Bolts. This included 18 points in his final 33 games.
Goncalves was also one of the Lightning's top post-season performers this year, posting one goal and four points in five games. Overall, the 2020 second-round pick is continuing to improve, so a contract extension with the Bolts should be in his future.
Nick Perbix
Perbix is another Bolt to keep an eye on regarding a potential extension. The pending unrestricted free agent has been a solid part of the Lightning's defense over the last three campaigns, so he could be somebody they consider keeping around.
Perbix played in 74 games this season with the Lightning, recording six goals, 19 points, and a plus-8 rating. If he is willing to stick around at a reasonable price, the Lightning could aim to extend him.
