Is Yanni Gourde’s new contract with Lightning an example of cap circumvention?
The Tampa Bay Lightning announced Monday that forward Yanni Gourde had agreed to terms on a six-year, $13.98 million contract extension, giving him an average annual value (AAV) of $2.33 million through the 2030-31 season.
Some observers raised eyebrows at the length of the deal, which will expire when Gourde is 39. Having already dealt with injuries at this stage of his career, some are wondering if the contract is a way for the Lightning to circumvent the salary cap.
On Tuesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk are live in Edmonton ahead of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. They discuss Gourde’s new contract and what it means to the rest of the league.
Tyler Yaremchuk: It’s a six-year extension for the 33 year old, a very unique extension for a guy who, obviously, is very comfortable in Tampa.
Frank Seravalli: They seize on that comfort, right? I personally – and this is just my opinion, and it won’t raise eyebrows at the league level because it’s such a minuscule, relative amount of money – but I think this contract borders on cap circumvention.
Tyler Yaremchuk: Really?
Frank Seravalli: You’re extending him all the way until he’s 40. He’s already been banged up, he’s slowed down in a significant way, and I think what you’re doing is artificially lowering his AAV. There’s not really any intention on either side, just like Chris Tanev signing his deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Do we really think that Yanni Gourde is going to be playing at 38, 39?
Tyler Yaremchuk: I think this might be a three-year deal.
Frank Seravalli: That’s my point! They’re thinking he can go on Long-Term Injury Reserve (LTIR), or he can get sent to the minors, but in any case, he can get his money. All he really cares about is A) staying in Tampa, and B) making sure he has security, which is $18-plus million.
You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…