Maple Leafs Free Agent Target Inks Shocking Six-Year Deal with Division Rival
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs will need to switch gears if they wanted to sign Yanni Gourde this summer, as the forward signed a six-year extension with Tampa Bay.
As Brad Treliving tries to change the DNA of the Maple Leafs for next season and beyond, the free agent market is going to be a big help in adding the right types of players to the lineup.
One however who won't be available July 1 is Yanni Gourde, as the veteran free agent signed a massive six-year, $13.98M extension on Monday.
The news was announced by NHL Insider Chris Johnston on X.
This current deal keeps Gourde in Tampa Bay until he is 39 and will more than likely signal that he is going to end his career with the Lightning.
Yanni Gourde stays put; will likely end his career in Tampa Bay
This past season, Gourde had 31 points in 57 games with both the Seattle Kraken and Tampa Bay Lightning after being re-acquired at the trade deadline.
He is a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Lightning, and was integral in them going back to back in 2020 and 2021.
Gourde was traded from the Kraken to the Lightning as part of a three-team deal that also involved the Detroit Red Wings.
While he's getting older, there's no doubt that head coach Jon Cooper will keep him firmly planted on the third-line where he has played for most of his career, and succeeded heavily at the role.
In 602 career games, Gourde has 347 points (133G, 214A), 290 blocks and 742 hits (which, considering he's only 5'9, is quite the achievement).
Where does Toronto go from here?
So without Gourde, who signed for a very friendly deal considering his former contract value, the Maple Leafs need to shift gears and try to find other players who fit the bill of a scrappy bottom-six forward.
There are a few options available like Christian Dvorak, Mason Marchment, Colton Sissons, and Ryan Donato.
While it varies whether these guys come from free agency or the trade market, the Leafs have enough capital to snag one or several players.
Their main focus right now though is to worry about re-signing Matthew Knies and potentially John Tavares. Once those deals are in place, the team has a better idea of where they are going.
All we know is that Gourde is going to be a problem for them for years to come.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 2 | 384 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Free Agent Target Inks Shocking Six-Year Deal with Division Rival Do you think Yanni Gourde would have helped the Maple Leafs next season? | ||
| Yes | 172 | 44.8 % |
| No | 212 | 55.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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