The Tampa Bay Lightning have multiple free agents this off-season, but forward Yanni Gourde is easily the most significant. If the Lightning do not re-sign Gourde by July 1, he will hit the market and have the freedom to sign with any team of his choosing.
There are certainly reasons why the Lightning should consider keeping Gourde around. The 33-year-old forward has multiple Stanley Cups on his resume, produces solid secondary offensive production, is solid defensively, and provides plenty of grit. Thus, it would be nice if the Bolts brought him back.
However, if the Lightning can't come to terms on a new deal with him or simply go in another direction, he should generate plenty of interest this off-season. The 10-year NHL veteran is precisely the kind of play that all contenders love to have, as he provides a bit of everything and has plenty of playoff experience.
If Gourde does become a free agent, he would instantly be one of the top options available for clubs looking to improve their middle-six down the middle. Furthermore, his ability to kill penalties and physicality also certainly add to his appeal.
Nevertheless, it is going to be very interesting to see what happens with Gourde this off-season. If the Lightning do not bring him back, expect there to be a big sweepstakes for his services in free agency.
In 57 games this season split between the Seattle Kraken and Lightning, he had seven goals, 31 points, and 109 hits.
Lightning Should Make Big Move With Ryan McDonagh
During this past off-season, the Tampa Bay Lightning brought back defenseman Ryan McDonagh from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round pick and a 2025 second-round pick. Given how well his first stint with the Lightning went, fans were naturally excited about his return to Tampa Bay.
McDonagh did not disappoint in his first season back with the Lightning this year, as he was excellent. In 82 games on the year, he posted four goals, 31 points, 152 blocks, and an NHL-best plus-43 rating. Overall, McDonagh once again provided the Bolts with solid offense from the point and immense dependability with his strong defensive play.
McDonagh is now entering the final season of his contract in 2025-26, meaning he will become eligible to sign a contract extension with the Lightning starting July 1. With how excellently he played this campaign, the Bolts should seriously consider signing him to an extension once they can.
The Lightning's blueline suffered tremendously when the reliable McDonagh was with the Predators. It is why they decided to bring him back, and one of their top goals this summer should be to extend him. He is still an impactful top-four defenseman who can handle big minutes, so it would be great if the Lightning the 15-year veteran up on a new extension this off-season.
In 349 games over six seasons and two stints as a Bolt, McDonagh has recorded 24 goals, 106 assists, 130 points, and a plus-117 rating.
