Yanni Gourde, a former two-time Stanley Cup winner, appears to be open to waiving his no-trade clause in order to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
As the New Year approaches, Yanni Gourde might be among the top choices for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ center upgrade. A key player in the Tampa Bay Lightning’s dynasty, the former two-time Stanley Cup winner might be a perfect fit for the Leafs’ third line.
The following points made by Pierre LeBrun in a recent article in The Athletic should excite Leafs supporters:
“If Gourde is traded, my matchmaking crystal ball predicts that he will end up with Toronto because he meets the Leafs’ requirements in terms of a an upgrade to the third line center. Playing the type of game that translates come playoff time, he won two Stanley Cup titles with the Lightning. According to what I understand, he would not object to a move to the Leafs despite having a modified no-trade. Additionally, Brad Treliving, the general manager, likes him because he doesn’t back down from the rough-and-tumble hockey that is played during the playoffs. (Source: Pierre LeBrun, The Athletic)
Although the Leafs wouldn’t technically need to add anyone at this time if they split up their stars, they should definitely consider adding Gourde before this year’s NHL Trade Deadline, as the 33-year-old is exactly what they need.
Gourde has 83 playoff games under his belt, 20 goals, 42 points, and a winning formula. If he joined the Leafs, he would play the exact same bottom-six role that he has played on a Stanley Cup winning team.
Given that he still has two years left on his contract, his $5.16 million cap hit is manageable because it would probably mean the end of Calle Jarnkrok and/or David Kampf, which is okay. The Leafs could push either Fraser Minten or Gourde by adding him.
Since Domi is having a terrible season, there is less pressure on him to perform well as a depth option because he is more comfortable playing on the wing or in the press box.
The Leafs should make every effort to sign Gourde, even if it means giving up a draft pick or a B-level prospect in the process. He is the kind of player you want in the playoffs. Although there is no guarantee that Gourde will sign with the Leafs, Treliving should try to make an impression as soon as possible before more teams become desperate around the NHL Trade Deadline.
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