What can the Lightning expect from Yanni Gourde this season?
The 2026-27 season is almost here for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Due to this, we here at The Hockey News Lightning are starting a player preview series that will look at each Bolts player.
In this latest edition of the series, let's look at forward Yanni Gourde.
Yanni Gourde Will Be Key Veteran For Lightning Again This Season
The Lightning will be expecting Gourde to be a key part of their leadership group again this season. It is understandable, as he is a well-respected veteran who should be a good mentor for the team's younger players this season.
Gourde appeared in 82 games this past season with the Lightning, where he recorded nine goals, 19 assists, 28 points, and 115 hits. This is after he posted seven goals, 24 assists, 31 points, and 109 hits in 57 games split between the Seattle Kraken and Lightning in 2024-25. With this, Gourde will be looking to get his offense back up a bit this season for Tampa Bay.
It will be interesting to see what kind of season Gourde can have for the Lightning in 2026-27. His solid two-way play and grit should make him a solid part of Tampa Bay's forward group. If he gets his offense back up, it would be a nice bonus.
