Lightning's Yanni Gourde: Returned to AHL Syracuse

Gourde was reassigned to the minors Monday.

Analysis:

Gourde closed out the season on a roll with five goals in eight appearances. In those outings, the winger logged 16:28 of ice time per game -- over a minute above his season average. If the 25-year-old can continue to improve his game while in the minors, he will likely be on a shortlist of players capable of securing a spot on the Lightning's 2017 Opening Night roster.