Seattle Kraken Key Forward To Make Season Debut

Seattle Kraken forward Yanni Gourde has been activated from the IR and will make his debut with the team in Tuesday's night tilt against the New Jersey Devils.

#SeaKraken center Yanni Gourde will be in Tuesday SEA lineup, debuting 3 months after shoulder surgery. Plus G Joey Daccord called up, Chris Driedger to IR.

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— Bob Condor (@ByBobCondor) October 19, 2021

Gourde was originally expected to be out until December, but he healed ahead of schedule. Now, in mid-October, he will be playing a big role in the Kraken's lineup. It's perfect timing, as the Kraken just got destroyed by the Philadelphia Flyers by a 6-1 score.

The Kraken selected Gourde from the Tampa Bay Lightning in this summer's Expansion Draft. He was a big part of the Tampa's middle-six, but with Seattle's forward depth being a bit weaker, he stands a real shot of being their first line center. In 56 games last season, Gourde had 17 goals and 36 points.

Nonetheless, it's fantastic news that the 29-year-old center is back and ready to go.