Tampa Bay invests in young forward’s future after breakout rookie season and strong playoff showing.
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Lightning announced Tuesday they have re-signed forward Gage Goncalves to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.2 million. Vice President and General Manager Julien BriseBois confirmed the deal.
Goncalves, 24, has quickly established himself as an impactful player since making his NHL debut with the Lightning on January 11, 2024, in a 4-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils.
The Mission, British Columbia native has appeared in 62 regular-season games for Tampa Bay, demonstrating significant growth and contribution in his relatively short time with the club.
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His first full NHL season in 2024-25 proved to be a breakout year for Goncalves. He played in 60 games, tying for the Lightning rookie lead in goals with eight.
Furthermore, he led all Bolts rookies in assists (12) and total points (20), showcasing his offensive versatility. Goncalves notched his first career NHL point on November 21, 2024, against the Columbus Blue Jackets, followed by his inaugural NHL goal on December 19, 2024, against the St. Louis Blues.
The 6-foot-1, 184-pound forward also made a notable impact in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Goncalves debuted on April 22, 2025, in Game 1 of the Lightning’s first-round series against the Florida Panthers, where he recorded an assist.
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He played in all five of Tampa Bay’s playoff contests, tallying an impressive four points (1 goal, 3 assists). His four points tied him with superstar Nikita Kucherov for the second-most points among Lightning skaters during their playoff run. Goncalves also demonstrated his physical presence, ranking second among Lightning forwards with 15 hits.
This two-year extension reflects the Lightning’s confidence in Goncalves’ continued development and his increasing importance to the team’s future success.
His blend of offensive production, strong defensive play, and playoff performance makes him a valuable asset as the Lightning look to contend for the Stanley Cup in the seasons to come.
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