Yanni Gourde Ruled Out Until December After Hip Surgery

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Yanni Gourde underwent offseason hip surgery and will be sidelined until December. Gourde played all 82 games last season, producing 9 goals and 19 assists. With Dominic James also unavailable to start the year, the Lightning face early depth challenges at center, potentially opening an opportunity for Jansen Harkins. Gourde is expected to begin the campaign on long-term injured reserve.