Tampa Bay Lightning to Be Without Two Key Players to Start the Season

Tampa to be without rising star and savvy veteran for beginning of the season

Feb 5, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Brandon Hagel (38) is congratulated by defenseman Victor Hedman (77) and center Dominic James (17) after scoring against the Florida Panthers during the first period at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Injuries are a part of the game and in a physical game like hockey, they are bound to happen. Injuries ruin the continuity that rosters form, they change the approach with lines and their changes, and they stunt player development.

But they are something that showcases a team's depth, and their ability to deal with adversity. It is something that the Tampa Bay Lightning endured last season, and it is much of the reason that Nikita Kucherov and Jon Cooper took home individual awards.

And as the NHL season approached, Lightning General Manager Julien BriseBoise announced that two key players will miss the start of the 2026/2027 season.

Julien BriseBois on who is NOT available to start the season:

Gourde — hip — expected to return in December

James — broken hand — expected to miss the first two weeks of the season

— Gabby Shirley (@Gabby_Shirley_) September 16, 2026

Dominic James

Apr 29, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Dominic James (17) reacts after scoring a goal against the Montreal Canadiens in the second period during game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

James is Tampa's rising star. He is 24 years old and his speed, physicality, and ability to get something going on the Bolts second line were huge for Tampa this past playoffs. James became the first Lightning rookie to score a goal in a Game 7 and the 5th in the team's history to score multiple goals in a playoff series. Tampa has an older roster and James will be an essential part of their success this season and in the future.

Missing the first two weeks isn't huge and James will be back on the ice in no time.

Yanni Gourde

Apr 26, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning center Yanni Gourde (37) looks on against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With Gourde being out, the Lightning will be missing out on their third and fourth line centers meaning that somebody else will have to step up. Gourde is a solid defensive option in Tampa and produced 28 points for the Bolts last season. He brings veteran experience to the Tampa Bay forward room and will be missed while he is gone.

F Yanni Gourde had offseason hip surgery and will be out until December.

F Dominic James will miss the first few weeks of the season after breaking his hand during training.#GoBolts https://t.co/ddyQa2rpfE

— NHL Rosters (@NHL_Rosters) September 16, 2026

Lightning Add Veteran AHL Forward Kole Lind on PTO Ahead of Training Camp

These injuries will provide another opportunity for Conor Geekie, the Lightning's standout player on the Syracuse Crunch. Should Geekie have a strong start to the season, that role on the third or fourth line could be his for the taking. Tampa will also look to Nick Abruzzese
and Jansen Harkins to potentially fill some time.

While losing Dominic James and Yanni Gourde to start the season is not ideal for Tampa Bay, the Lightning have opportunities to fill those roles. Conor Geekie, Nick Abruzzese, and Jansen Harkins could see increased responsibilities early on. With James expected back within two weeks, Tampa’s focus will be on weathering the early absences while maintaining its depth and consistency until both forwards return.

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