Yanni Gourde is eager to contribute in second run with the Lightning
Mar 6, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Yanni Gourde (37), right wing Nikita Kucherov (86), right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (22), defenseman Emil Lilleberg (78) celebrate after they scored a goal on Buffalo Sabres during the second period at Amalie Arena. A few weeks have passed since Yanni Gourde was reacquired by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Over the course of just a few years, the organization and fans have had to say goodbye to some of their most successful and beloved players, guys they went to battle with.
In May 2024, the Lightning welcomed back veteran defenseman Ryan McDonagh, a pivotal piece to their Stanley Cup success. The Lightning were never the same after McDonagh was traded to Nashville in 2022, and bringing him back has proven to be invaluable for the Lightning defensively.
On March 6, 2025 general manager Julien BriseBois reacquired forward Yanni Gourde in an effort to add more depth and physicality to the Lightning lineup.
Gourde, who won two Cups with the Lightning, was heading into the final year of his contract with Seattle and was expected to hit the open market later this summer.
Jun 28, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Yanni Gourde (37) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period in game one of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena via Kim Klement-Imagn Images “You always let your mind wander if it could be possible,” Gourde said of returning to Tampa Bay. “My time in Seattle was great, a lot of fun. I am super excited to join (the Lightning) and win some games. It feels surreal.”
The trade with Seattle, which also included Gourde’s teammate Oliver Bjorkstrand, resembled a move BriseBois made in 2020, to acquire Blake Coleman from New Jersey and Barclay Goodrow from San Jose in exchange for first-round picks. The Lightning later went on to win the Stanley Cup.
So far, Gourde appears to be the same guy everyone remembers. Relentless on the ice and charismatic in the room, all while smiling from ear to ear. He has the ability to get under his opponent's skin, which is a quality the Lightning appreciate. During their cup runs, Gourde shared a line with Coleman and Goodrow, a group that was able to consistently swing the momentum their way.
“Let’s take the fact that Yanni Gourde played here previously, out of it. We would still have gone after Yanni Gourde,” said Lightning coach Jon Cooper. “He just has a ton of attributes that scream he is a Bolt.”
“Obviously, having a history with him and having the success we had, he brings an element that his physical stature doesn’t matter. It’s the size of his heart, which is why he was such a fan favorite here.”
Gourde was originally signed as a free agent with Tampa Bay on March 11, 2014. Over the course of six seasons with the Lightning, he recorded 187 points and won two Stanley Cups. The 33-year old forward returned to a system, coach and organization that he knows well. In past years, there’s been a transition period for some of the Lightning’s newly acquired players at the trade deadline.
“There's definitely been a little bit of an adjustment, but it feels really good. A lot of excitement,” Gourde said of his return. “The first week was a lot of fun being back and seeing the guys.. the fans have been phenomenal to me, it's been a lot of fun so far.”
As Gourde walked into Amalie Arena just 24 hours after being traded, he seemed to have picked up right where he left off. This time around, he brings a few added years of leadership experience with him.
“He is extremely vocal on the bench all the time now and it's really refreshing,” said Cooper. “I don't remember him being like that, but it is very noticeable and very welcoming.”
When Gourde left Tampa in 2021, the leadership group was already well-established. In Seattle, he was tasked with being more of a vocal leader for the start of a brand new expansion team.
Currently Tampa Bay sits two points out of first place in the Atlantic Division. The upcoming road trip offers the Lightning an opportunity to accumulate the points they need in order to secure the first place spot.
“It's going to be good to be on the road with the guys and stack a few good games. I think the most important thing is finding our identity, and building on that identity throughout the rest of the year,” Gourde said of their preparation for the playoffs.
With Andrei Vasilevskiy, Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh all continuing to play at a high level, Gourde returned to a team that is ready and relentless in their pursuit of another Stanley Cup run.
This season is proof, you can in fact go home again.