Lightning Acquire Gourde, Bjorkstrand in Major Trade with Kraken

SEATTLE, Wash. — The Tampa Bay Lightning have bolstered their roster by acquiring forwards Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand from the Seattle Kraken. The trade was first reported on March 5, 2025, and includes a draft haul for Seattle that consists of first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, a 2025 second-round pick, and center Mikey Eyssimont.

Gourde’s return to Tampa is notable; he won two Stanley Cups with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021 before being selected by the Kraken in the 2021 expansion draft. The 33-year-old forward recently returned to the Kraken lineup after missing time due to an injury, and has recorded six goals and 17 points in 36 games this season.

“I’m excited to be back with Tampa,” Gourde said in a statement. “This is where I found my game and had success. I’m ready to contribute to a team that is pushing for the playoffs.”

Bjorkstrand, 29, adds scoring depth and a two-way presence on the wing. He has amassed 16 goals and 37 points in 61 games this season and is known for his ability to shoot and set up scoring opportunities. Drafted in 2013 by the Columbus Blue Jackets, he has tallied 141 points across three seasons with the Kraken.

<p“Oliver is a player we’ve had our eye on for a while,” Tampa Bay General Manager Julien BriseBois said. “He has the skill and work ethic that fits perfectly in our system.”

The Kraken, on the other hand, are positioning themselves for the future with this trade, acquiring important draft capital while also sending Eyssimont back to Seattle. Eyssimont has five goals and ten points in 57 games this season and carries a cap hit of $800,000.

Both teams have differing motivations: Tampa Bay is focused on enhancing their playoff positioning as the season progresses, currently sitting in third place in the Atlantic Division. In contrast, Seattle appears to be leaning into a seller’s role at the trade deadline, now 11 points behind the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

“We believe this trade helps us build for the future,” said a Kraken spokesperson. “Retaining key draft picks allows us to grow and improve the team long-term.”

The Lightning’s roster adjustments have come after a strong run of just one loss in their last 11 games. They are currently in a tight race with the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs at the top of the Atlantic Division.

This trade is expected to enhance the Lightning’s playoff chances as they seek to make another deep run.