The Lightning announced on Tuesday that the team re-signed forward Gage Goncalves to a two-year contract worth $1.2 million AAV.
Goncalves made his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut with the Lightning back in April, in their first-round series against the Florida Panthers. The 24-year old played in all five playoff games, finishing with four points (1-3—4), tied with Nikita Kucherov for the second-most points on the team. He also ranked second among Lightning forwards for hits with 15.
Goncalves said general manager Julien BriseBois approached him about a new deal after the season ended.
“He came to us kind of after the season, and we took some time, and he came to us again,” said Goncalves. “And just the whole way he kind of went at it was obviously first class with everything he does. So, yeah, we're super excited to get back down to Tampa.”
Goncalves started with the Lightning’s AHL affiliate in Syracuse, gradually working his way up over the years. He credited his growth to what he learned while playing with the Crunch.
“I think I just learned how to be a pro every day. Just watching a lot of those guys doing a lot of extra work after practices, whether it's shooting, doing your power skating, or taking care of your body,” Goncalves said. “Obviously, when you're up here in Tampa, the facilities and the staff are second to none. I'd say one of the best in the league, if not the best at helping you get what you need.”
Goncalves did not receive a qualifying offer from the Lightning ahead of Monday’s 5 p.m. deadline which turned heads, but they were closing in on a deal the whole time.
“All we've ever kind of known is Tampa and Syracuse and the way the development staff is and everybody in that organization. It really means a lot to sign this deal with them, and hopefully I can just keep growing as a player and kind of as a person in Tampa."
Photo Credit: © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images