Gage Goncalves is the clear breakout candidate upfront for the Tampa Bay Lightning, but what does he need to do during the 2025-26 season to meet or exceed the breakout candidate expectations?
The 24-year-old finished his rookie season with eight goals and 20 points in 60 games and by the looks of it, his season doesn't look like much, but when you factor in his 18 points in the final 33 games of the season and his four points in five playoff games, the signs that he could produce at a higher level next season are valid.
Goncalves is a skilled playmaker, racking up over 40 assists in consecutive AHL seasons prior to the 2024-25 campaign. He can find passing lanes with ease and is always looking to make passes into the slot. His playmaking becomes increasingly dangerous due to the threat of his shot, which is highlighted by a solid one-timer.
Throughout the past season, Goncalves found himself on the fourth line or in a very limited third-line role, but in the final stretch of games, his role elevated, and it should carry into the start of this upcoming season. The top six looks to be set in stone for the Lightning, at least to start the season, consisting of Jake Guentzel, Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov, Brandon Hagel, Anthony Cirelli and Oliver Bjorkstrand. The six forwards are far more NHL-proven and have thrived in those roles previously. Despite that, Goncalves has all the tools to compete and at least give coach Jon Cooper reasons to consider using the 6-foot-one, left-handed winger in the top six.
Although the opportunity might not present itself right away, Goncalves can still be a difference maker on the third line, playing next to Nick Paul and Conor Geekie. Paul and Geekie are big power forwards with plenty of skill, who can both benefit from playing next to Goncalves. His playmaking could help them generate lots of offence.
Goncalves won't find many issues contributing at 5-on-5, where he had a positive effect during his rookie season, holding a 55.17 percent of the goal share. Where Goncalves could make his mark, but where it'll be difficult to do is on special teams. The top unit of Kucherov, Point, Guentzel, Hagel and Hedman won't be touched unless injuries occur, but competing for a spot on the second power play unit will pose several challenges. Bjorkstrand and Cirelli will likely take two of the forward spots, and Darren Raddysh will take the defensive spot, leaving two spots for Goncalves, Geekie, Paul, and Mitchell Chaffee to fight for.
Defensively, the former second-round pick (62nd overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft could be a contributor on the penalty kill, but he'll have to once again compete with Hagel, Cirelli, Paul, and Yanni Gourde for that ice time.
Healthy competition is a good thing, and the Lightning are banking on it to bring out the best in Goncalves after handing him a two-year, $1.2 million contract extension.
