Lightning Extend Gourde With Six-Year, $14M Deal

Yanni Gourde, 33, has signed a six-year contract extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning, carrying an average annual value of $2.33 million and including annual signing bonuses and a full no-trade clause. The deal, which secures Gourde through age 39, is the longest term for a forward of his age since the NHL salary cap era began. Gourde rejoined Tampa Bay at the 2025 trade deadline after over three seasons with the Seattle Kraken and posted 31 points in 57 games last season between both teams, despite missing two months due to sports hernia surgery. A two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Lightning, Gourde is valued for his defensive play and leadership. Tampa Bay, eliminated in the first round of the playoffs this year, aims to leverage Gourde's presence for future playoff success. The contract provides the Lightning with salary cap flexibility as their core remains signed.