Former Seattle Kraken forward Yanni Gourde has signed a six-year, $2.33M AAV contract extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Gourde spent the last three and a half seasons with the Kraken, recording 52 goals and 146 points in 271 games. He was a valuable piece in their bottom six, providing defensive stability and additional offence when needed. 

Towards the end of his tenure with the Kraken, injuries began to plague the 33-year-old. He has been a very durable player throughout his career but was viewed as a risk to be re-signed by the Kraken, considering their plans to involve youth. 

Because of those factors and his expiring contract, Gourde became a valued asset, and the Kraken took full advantage of this at the trade deadline. They sent Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand to the Lightning in exchange for first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, a second-rounder in 2025, and forward Mikey Eyssimont.

The Lightning lost in the first round to the Florida Panthers but were without Bjorkstrand, who suffered an injury towards the conclusion of the regular season. 

The contract agreement between Gourde and the Lightning is one that's becoming popular as of late. Handing out long-term contracts at small AAVs to players who are close to or in their mid-thirties. By the end of the contract, Gourde will be 39 years old. The Lightning will likely be able to bury the contract in the AHL or on the long-term injury reserve when Gourde's play begins to drop.

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