Gage Goncalves was a rookie for the Tampa Bay Lightning during the 2024-2025 NHL regular season. While fellow rookie Connor Geekie excited fans, Goncalves became the rookie that fans loved.
During the NHL regular season, Gage Goncalves as per the NHL scored eight goals and 12 assists for 20 points in 60 games. In the playoffs, Goncalves saw success by recording one goal and three assists for four points in five games as per ESPN.
It has been quite a while since the fans have seen young talent consistently stay and develop on their roster. Forwards like Brayden Point, Yanni Gourde, and Carter Verhaege are the most recent standout forwards to have progressed through the Lightning system and become valuable players in the National Hockey League.
Now, the Lightning are seeing a resurgence in young talent right before their eyes in the form of Connor Geekie and Gage Goncalves. The difference between the duo of Geekie and Goncalves? Goncalves needs a contract to play next season.
PuckPedia lists Gage Goncalves as a current restricted free agent. While it is unlikely an opposing team will send Goncalves an offer, it is still a threatening possibility to avoid. Additionally, PuckPedia lists the Bolts as having $5,480,001 in cap space. Given their cap situation, the Bolts should realistically be able to sign Goncalves and make additional moves during free agency.
Goncalves is a breath of fresh air for Bolts fans because he plays with passion. During the 2024-2025 playoffs, one could easily argue he was one of the Lightning’s most dangerous forwards. Goncalves still has room to grow and develop as a talented forward in the National Hockey League. Moving forward, he could even blossom into a regular top-six forward. Keeping Goncalves in a Lightning sweater must be a top priority for General Manager Julien BriseBois during the 2025 NHL offseason.
Look for Goncalves to hopefully continue in a Bolts sweater next season.