Victor Hedman speaks with reporters postgame Former Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/]forward Yanni Gourde is one of the top trade candidates [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/former-lightning-star-named-top-trade-candidate] in the NHL as we continue to get closer to the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. With the Seattle Kraken [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/]currently not having a playoff spot and Gourde being a pending unrestricted free agent, he will be a popular rental target for contenders. One of the Lightning's top rivals has now been connected to Gourde, as NHL insider Darren Dreger named [https://x.com/TSNHockey/status/1876777805674909764] the former Bolt a potential target for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Maple Leafs have been on the hunt for a third-line center, so it is not surprising to hear that Dreger views Gourde as an option for the Original Six club. He would be a great fit for their 3C role if acquired and would give them another clear option for their penalty kill. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExOTgwNjg4Njc5NzczNzMx/usatsi_16191788.jpg] Gourde has appeared in 35 games this season with the Kraken, where he has six goals, 16 points, and 58 hits. Overall, the 10-year veteran is still plenty capable of providing decent depth offense and grit, so he should generate interest from several teams besides Toronto. Perhaps the Lightning could even try to reunite with him.
