The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed winger Gabriel Fortier on waivers for reassignment.
After undergoing surgery for an undisclosed injury in the offseason, Fortier began the season on the injured non-roster list. While he wasn’t expected to return until December, this waiver move suggests he’s nearing readiness, as he needs to clear waivers to play in the AHL.
Gabriel Fortier (TB) on waivers. He underwent offseason surgery, so must be close to ready
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 27, 2024
Last season, Fortier spent all of his time with the Syracuse Crunch, the Lightning’s AHL affiliate, where he recorded 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points in 62 games. In the playoffs, he added 1 goal and 4 assists in 8 games, although the Crunch were swept in the North Division Finals by the Cleveland Monsters.
Throughout his career, Fortier has played 11 NHL games, all during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons with the Lightning, scoring 1 goal—his first coming in a 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on December 21, 2021.
Selected in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft from the QMJHL, Fortier spent three more seasons in junior hockey, including a brief four-game appearance in the AHL before going full-time in the 2020-21 season and making his NHL debut the following year. He is entering his sixth season of professional hockey.
Currently, Fortier is signed to a one-year, $775,000 contract and will become a Group 6 unrestricted free agent in the 2025 offseason.
As for the Lightning, they’re currently sitting in second place in the Atlantic Division with a 5-3-0 record and will look to build on their recent 3-0 win against the Washington Capitals when they host former captain Steven Stamkos and the Nashville Predators on Monday at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Leave a Reply