Gage Goncalves was a nice story from the Tampa Bay Lightning's 2024-25 season. After multiple strong seasons down in the AHL with the Syracuse Crunch, Goncalves broke out with the Lightning and cemented himself a spot in their lineup in the process.
The start of Goncalves' season with the Lightning was quiet, as the 24-year-old forward posted just two points in his first 27 games. However, he certainly heated up in a big way in the second half of the season with the Bolts, recording 18 points in his last 33 contests. He was also a bright spot for the Lightning during their early post-season exit, as he had one goal and four points in five games.
Overall, it is fair to say that Goncalves had a successful rookie season. He demonstrated that he has the ability to produce offense at the NHL level and became a nice part of the Lightning's forward group in the process. Now, after breaking out this campaign, he undoubtedly has the potential to reach new heights with the Bolts in 2025-26 from here.
Now that Goncalves has become more adjusted to the NHL, it would not be surprising in the slightest if we see his offensive totals continue to go up next season. The Mission, British Columbia native has the tools to become an impactful playmaker, and he should get plenty of opportunities next season with the Bolts because of it.
Nevertheless, it will be fascinating to see what kind of year Goncalves ends up having in 2025-26, but it is hard not to feel optimistic about the 2020 second-round pick.
Gage Goncalves gets a well-earned contract extension
While the futures of Gourde, Atkinson, Glendening, and Perbix are, for now, up in the air, the most vital player on an expiring contract for this team is Goncalves. The 24-year-old has established himself as a valuable middle-six piece, and he was terrific in the playoffs to the tune of a goal and four points in five games. He averaged a shade under 17 minutes on ice, and it's clear he has gained the trust of head coach Jon Cooper.
The 2020 second-round pick turned his game up in the second half of the season, and he's eligible to sign a bridge deal this summer. The pending RFA made just $775,000 in 2024-25, and that number should increase significantly on his next contract. It would be shocking if BriseBois and the front office didn't keep him under team control; the Mission, British Columbia native was one of the lone bright spots in a very difficult postseason.
