Julien BriseBois, the GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning, has once again demonstrated his commitment to winning now, trading heavily for Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand from the Seattle Kraken. This deal cost the Lightning multiple high draft picks and a promising player, Michael Eyssimont, as BriseBois seeks to enhance the team's depth in the forward lines. Gourde, returning for a second stint after winning two Stanley Cups with the team, has struggled with injuries this season but the Lightning are optimistic about his performance resurgence.

Bjorkstrand, a more seasoned player than Gourde, brings consistent scoring this season, with 16 goals and 37 points in 61 games. His contract spans another year, making him a strategically valuable asset. However, the Lightning's aggressive strategy has left them without first-round draft picks for the next three years, leading to concerns about long-term sustainability. With playoff ambitions high, the strength gained through these acquisitions may outweigh future risks if the team can capitalize on this in the postseason.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have made a significant move just ahead of the NHL trade deadline, acquiring forwards Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand from the Seattle Kraken in a three-team trade that also involved the Detroit Red Wings. In return, the Lightning sent conditional first-round picks for 2026 and 2027, along with a second-round pick this year and winger Mikey Eyssimont to Seattle.

With this trade, Tampa Bay bolsters its roster, particularly as they are currently one of the hottest teams in the league, boasting ten wins in twelve games. Gourde, who recently returned from surgery, brings playoff experience, having been part of Tampa Bay's championship teams in 2020 and 2021. Bjorkstrand adds further depth to the squad.

The Lightning's swift action follows the Florida Panthers' acquisition of goaltender Vitek Vanecek from the San Jose Sharks and top-four defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks. This move signals Tampa Bay's intent to remain competitive as they gear up for a playoff push.

In a significant three-team trade, the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired forwards Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde from the Seattle Kraken, with the Detroit Red Wings also involved in the deal. The Lightning bolstered their roster by trading a series of draft picks and defenseman Kyle Aucoin to Seattle, who in turn received forward Michael Eyssimont and multiple conditional draft picks. General Manager Julien BriseBois expressed enthusiasm about adding two players capable of making an immediate impact.

Bjorkstrand, enjoying a solid season with 37 points in 61 games, comes with a $5.4 million cap hit. Gourde, meanwhile, brings experience and competitive spirit, with 17 points in 36 games this year. Both players are expected to contribute significantly to the Lightning's playoff ambitions.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are making strategic moves to clear salary cap space, especially with Cam Atkinson and Logan Brown clearing waivers. Atkinson's $900,000 cap hit can now be buried, and Brown, with a $775,000 cap hit after signing a two-way NHL contract, adds flexibility. As the trade deadline approaches, rumors swirl about potential trades involving key players like Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand.

Several teams are active on the waiver wire, with the Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, and Florida Panthers also making adjustments. Detroit, eyeing a playoff spot, is clearing significant cap space, possibly over $13 million after burying Christian Fischer's contract. This dynamic environment sets the stage for further trades leading up to the deadline.

The Tampa Bay Lightning made a bold move ahead of the NHL trade deadline, acquiring forwards Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand from the Seattle Kraken. This trade involved sending two top-10 protected first-round picks (2026 and 2027), a second-round pick, and forward Mikey Eyssimont to Seattle. With this acquisition, the Lightning are looking to bolster their playoff aspirations, as they currently sit third in the Atlantic Division.

Gourde returns to Tampa after previously winning two Stanley Cups with the team. He is coming off surgery but remains a valuable asset. Bjorkstrand, known for consistent goal-scoring, adds depth, currently having accumulated 16 goals and 21 assists this season. These strategic acquisitions demonstrate Tampa Bay's ambition to compete for another championship.