The Tampa Bay Lightning announced they have signed second-round pick Gage Goncalves to a three-year entry-level deal. He is the second 2020 second-round pick that the Lightning has signed in the last 24 hours as Tampa Bay inked Jack Finley (#57) Saturday to an entry-level contract. Goncalves was chosen five picks later at #62.
Goncalves has taken the long road to get where he was. The forward was signed by the WHL’s Everett Silvertips as an undrafted free agent as he was considered a weak skater, who lacked size or physicality back when he was 14 years old. He was given a camp invite in 2016 and 2017 to make the Silvertips and was cut both times. However, he never gave up, continuing to work on his game and constantly working on building up his body.
He was given a third chance in 2018 and made the team. Even then, Goncalves didn’t produce much, posting just a goal and 15 points in the 2018-19 season. Then suddenly last year, everything changed for him as he broke out for 33 goals and 71 points and showcased skills that many had not seen before. One reason for the change was a growth spurt that pushed his height to 6-foot-1. That production prompted the Lightning to grab Goncalves in the second-round, something that seemed impossible just one year before that.
Despite signing a three-year deal, Goncalves is expected to return to Everton next season, which will allow his contract to slide at least one more year.
Everton?
(Rinnnngg!) Minor errata on line 1, paragraph 4, for @Holger…