It's buying time for the Tampa Bay Lightning. After winning eight out of their last nine games, the Lightning are in a prime position to be buyers at the 2025 NHL trade deadline.
One area that the Lightning should be looking to improve before the deadline passes is their third line. Due to this, in the most recent episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman brought up the possibility of the Lightning bringing back Seattle Kraken forward Yanni Gourde.
"I wouldn't be surprised if [the Lightning] add a depth forward, too," Friedman said. "One of the things I wonder about the Lightning, too, and I'm just throwing this out in my head, if they're looking for a forward or a center, we talked in our West about Yanni Gourde. You just wonder, is that a player that appeals to them."
Friedman also added:
"There would be some romance to it. Remember how great that line was, Gourde, Coleman, and Barclay Goodrow, for the Tampa Bay Lightning when they were winning their Cups. Maybe that's someone they look at. They obviously know him, and it probably doesn't cost them a ton. He's a rental."
Lightning Should Consider Gourde Reunion
When looking at the Lightning's current roster, they should seriously consider reuniting with Gourde. It is no secret that their bottom six could use a bit of a boost, and Gourde would give them just that in a third-line role. In addition, his defensive play would make him a clear option for the Bolts' penalty kill again.
At this stage of his career, Gourde is still effective in a depth role. In 35 games this season with the Kraken, he has six goals, 16 points, and 58 hits. Overall, with numbers like these, Gourde would have the potential to give Tampa Bay's bottom six some added secondary offensive production and grit.
Gourde is in the final season of his contract, carrying a $5.16 million cap hit. If the Kraken are open to retaining a portion of his salary, this is an avenue the Lightning should seriously consider going down. We will need to wait and see if Gourde is once again a Bolt by March 7 from here.
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