Gabriel Fortier Bio
Gabriel Fortier is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for Leksands IF of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Born on February 6, 2000, in Lachine, Quebec, Canada, Fortier plays the left wing position and shoots left. He was selected 59th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2018 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft and began his professional career in 2019. After spending several seasons within the Lightning organization, he signed with Leksands IF in 2025 to continue his career in Sweden.
Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing around 174 pounds, Fortier has built a reputation as a hardworking forward with strong playmaking abilities. His journey from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) to the NHL and now the SHL reflects a steady progression through competitive hockey environments on both sides of the Atlantic.
Early Life and Background
Gabriel Fortier was born and raised in Lachine, Quebec, a borough of Montreal with a deep hockey tradition. Growing up in a hockey-rich region of Canada, he developed his skills on local rinks from a young age. Lachine and the greater Montreal area have produced numerous professional players, and Fortier joined that pipeline at a young age through minor hockey programs in the province.
As a young player in Quebec, Fortier was regarded as a skilled forward with a strong offensive instinct. His performances in youth hockey drew the attention of QMJHL scouts, and he entered the major junior draft as one of the top prospects of his age group. This early recognition set the stage for his transition to one of Canada’s most competitive junior leagues.
Path to Professional Hockey
Fortier was selected fourth overall in the 2016 QMJHL Entry Draft by the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, signaling his status as a high-end prospect. He joined the Drakkar for the 2016-17 season and quickly became an important contributor. During his draft year, he recorded 26 goals and 33 assists, showcasing the offensive upside that convinced NHL scouts of his potential.
On June 23, 2018, the Tampa Bay Lightning selected Fortier with the 59th overall pick in the second round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. He continued his development with Baie-Comeau and eventually earned the captaincy of the Drakkar. On January 2, 2020, he was traded to the Moncton Wildcats, finishing his time with Baie-Comeau with 191 points over 195 games. His performance in the QMJHL laid the foundation for his eventual move to the professional ranks.
Gabriel Fortier Career
Early Career (2019-2021)
Fortier began his professional career in 2019 within the Tampa Bay Lightning organization, splitting time between the American Hockey League (AHL) and junior hockey. He continued to develop his game with the Syracuse Crunch, the Lightning’s AHL affiliate, while finishing his junior eligibility. His transition to professional hockey required adjustment, but his offensive instincts remained evident.
During this period, Fortier also played for the Moncton Wildcats after being traded from the Drakkar in January 2020. He spent the remainder of his junior career with Moncton before transitioning fully to the professional level, where he continued to refine his two-way play and skating.
NHL Debut and Tampa Bay Lightning Era (2021-2025)
Fortier made his NHL debut on November 30, 2021, with the Tampa Bay Lightning against the St. Louis Blues at the Enterprise Center. The recall came on November 29, 2021, after Lightning captain Steven Stamkos was unable to play for personal reasons. Although his time in the NHL lineup was limited, the debut marked a significant milestone in his career.
Fortier spent the bulk of his Lightning tenure with the Syracuse Crunch in the AHL, contributing as a reliable scoring forward. On June 21, 2023, the Lightning re-signed him to a one-year, two-way contract, reflecting continued organizational belief in his potential. After five seasons within the Lightning system, he departed the organization in 2025 to pursue a new opportunity overseas.
Leksands IF Era (2025-Present)
On July 15, 2025, Gabriel Fortier signed a one-year contract with Leksands IF of the Swedish Hockey League. The move represented his first professional experience outside North America and an opportunity to expand his game in a different hockey culture. Joining a competitive SHL club allowed him to take on a larger role and contribute in a top European league.
The transition to the SHL marked a new chapter in Fortier’s career, giving him consistent playing time and responsibility. His performance in Sweden is positioned to influence his future opportunities, whether back in North America or continuing in Europe.
Driving Style and Strengths
Fortier is recognized for his offensive creativity, vision, and playmaking ability. At 5 feet 10 inches, he relies on quickness, agility, and hockey sense rather than size to create scoring chances. He is effective as a left wing who can distribute the puck, drive play, and contribute on the power play.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Fortier’s career milestones are being selected fourth overall in the 2016 QMJHL Entry Draft, being named captain of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, scoring 191 points in 195 games with the Drakkar, being drafted 59th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2018, and making his NHL debut on November 30, 2021. His July 2025 signing with Leksands IF also represents a notable step in his professional journey.
Gabriel Fortier Career Highlights
Gabriel Fortier’s career is marked by steady progression through competitive leagues, from major junior hockey in Quebec to the NHL and now the SHL. His consistent production at every level reflects a player who has adapted and grown in increasingly demanding environments.
QMJHL Highlights
Fortier spent five seasons in the QMJHL with the Baie-Comeau Drakkar and the Moncton Wildcats. He was selected fourth overall in the 2016 QMJHL Entry Draft and served as captain of the Drakkar before being traded to Moncton on January 2, 2020. He finished his time with Baie-Comeau having recorded 191 points over 195 games, with 26 goals and 33 assists in his draft year alone.
Professional Performances
In the AHL with the Syracuse Crunch, Fortier continued to develop as a dependable offensive contributor. His NHL debut with the Tampa Bay Lightning in November 2021 and his re-signing in June 2023 highlighted the organization’s continued confidence in his abilities. His move to Leksands IF in 2025 opened a new chapter in Sweden’s top professional league.
Gabriel Fortier Family
Family Background and Hockey Origins
Gabriel Fortier was born and raised in Lachine, Quebec, a community with a strong hockey tradition. Specific details about his parents and family members are not widely documented in available sources.
Personal Life
Fortier focuses much of his public life on his hockey career, having moved from Quebec to junior hockey, then to professional hockey in North America, and most recently to Sweden. Public information about his spouse or children is not available in verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
Gabriel Fortier’s 2025 season began with a significant career change when he signed a one-year contract with Leksands IF of the SHL on July 15, 2025. After five seasons within the Tampa Bay Lightning organization, the move offered him a fresh start in a top European league and an opportunity to play a featured role on a competitive roster.
Adjusting to the European game, including larger ice surfaces and different tactical systems, has been a key storyline of his 2025 campaign. His experience in the AHL and NHL provides a strong foundation for meeting the demands of the SHL schedule.
With his contract set for one year, Fortier’s performance in Sweden will be closely watched by North American scouts and European clubs alike. A productive season could open doors to further international opportunities or a potential return to the NHL.