3 Free Agent Destinations For Yanni Gourde

The last two teams Yanni Gourde has played for are the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Seattle Kraken. The latter wasn't very competitive during his time there and after winning two Stanley Cups with the Lightning, he needed those competitive juices flowing again. It was definitely a relief for him to be dealt at the trade deadline to the Lightning this season, even if they didn't go very far in the playoffs. So with that being said, I believe that he will be looking to sign with a playoff-bound team in free agency.

Florida Panthers

I think the perfect role for Gourde at this stage of his career is on the third line, though he can move up if needed. He finished this season with seven goals and 31 points in 57 games, which is not too bad, especially for his role. The Florida Panthers will most likely be moving on from Sam Bennett and having Anton Lundell moving up to the second line center role. That will open the need for a third line center or even winger if a different move is made. Gourde is a Cup winner and the Panthers don't appear to be done going deep in the playoffs any time soon. This gritty third liner could be the perfect addition for a good price.

New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils are going to make a good amount of changes, probably more than most this offseason. Gourde seems like the depth player this team would be interested in adding as he brings multiple elements and won't go quiet like the depth did for the majority of the season. It was part of the quick downfall of the Devils this season in the first round, and once again, the third line would be better off with a player like Gourde on it.

Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals had an amazing 2024 offseason, but nobody should expect that team to do as much as they did to get to where they are again. Less is needed, but changes are still to be expected after a second round loss. Some players will hit free agency and it opens up the space for them to add. The third line will be missing a center and could use an improvement on the wing as it is expected Connor McMichael plays on the second line and doesn't center the third. From what the bottom-6 is expected to look like, Gourde would be a welcomed addition and the Capitals didn't go wrong with their choices last summer.