Confirmed with Link: Lightning sign Yanni Gourde | AHL contract (2014), 2-way NHL contract (2015, 2016)

[Mikeaveli]

Syracuse Hockey ‏@syrhockey 1m

TB signs free agent forward Yanni Gourde

Syracuse Hockey ‏@syrhockey 2m

Gourde just ended a PTO with Worcester. Will join Crunch on an AHL deal, then next two seasons has NHL-AHL deal.

Syracuse Hockey ‏@syrhockey 2m

Gourde, 5-9, was 4-21 in 25 games for Worcester this season. Second-year pro

Click to read more...

 

[Crunchrulz]

Crunch tie the game at 3 with 7 minutes left. The Gourde signing is interesting as he was the Sharks fourth leading scorer. He is 5'9", which some teams don't like but the Tampa organization seems to have no problem with. Will be interesting to see how he, Smith, and JAM develop.

 

[Jacko95]

Syracuse Hockey ‏@syrhockey 1m



Syracuse Hockey ‏@syrhockey 2m



Syracuse Hockey ‏@syrhockey 2m

This is what I love the most about this organization. They don't Care who you are, how old you are or how small you are, if you can play hockey and show some certain skills (fast, hard worker) you get every chance you deserve. And that goes a long way into finding those gems.
Oh and the Management does care just as much about the AHL team than they do about the NHL team. The Crunch team they are Building for next season looks pretty strong and should be in the Playoff Race IMO.

 

[Jacko95]

San jose/ worchester Sharks fans are pretty pissed the big Sharks didn't sign him to an NHL and instead let him walk. This is quit a good sign here for us.

 

[TheDaysOf 04]

http://www.syracuse.com/crunch/inde...e_agent_winger_yanni_gourde.html#incart_river

Gourde will be on an AHL contract for the remainder of 2013-14 season and a two-way NHL contract for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. He is expected to report to the Syracuse Crunch this week.

"He is a really smart player,'' said Tampa Bay assistant general manager Julien BriseBois. "He's an offensively gifted player, that because of his hockey sense can play in all situations. He gives us a lot of skill. Our scouts saw him play this year and put him on the radar.''

Prior to turning pro, Gourde skated four seasons with the Victoriaville Tigers of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He led the QMJHL in scoring during his fourth season with Victoriaville in 2011-12, posting 37 goals and 124 points. Gourde was nominated for the Michel-Briere trophy in 2011-12, given annually to the QMJHL's most valuable player.

He's a 5'9'' skilled guy, but it looks like he's not afraid to stick up for a teammate too.

 

[210]

If Gourde was 6'2" he'd probably already be in the NHL.