Wed Mar 05 19:50:00 UTC 2025: **Lightning Acquire Bjorkstrand and Gourde in Costly Trade with Kraken**
**TAMPA, FL – March 5, 2025** – The Tampa Bay Lightning have made a significant splash ahead of the NHL trade deadline, acquiring forwards Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde from the Seattle Kraken in a deal that involves a hefty price tag. According to reports from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Lightning are sending their 2026 and 2027 first-round draft picks, Toronto’s 2025 second-round pick, and forward Michael Eyssimont to Seattle in exchange for Bjorkstrand and Gourde. Seattle will also retain 50% of Gourde’s salary, with the Detroit Red Wings retaining an additional 25%, lowering his cap hit to approximately $1.29 million. The Lightning will also receive Seattle’s 2026 fifth-round pick.
The trade addresses Tampa Bay’s need for depth at forward, particularly in their bottom six. Gourde, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Lightning, returns to the organization, while Bjorkstrand provides additional scoring potential. However, the cost of acquiring both players has drawn significant criticism, with many analysts questioning whether the return justifies the substantial draft capital surrendered. The Lightning are betting that the on-ice contributions of Bjorkstrand and Gourde will outweigh the value of the future draft picks. Gourde is expected to immediately bolster the Lightning’s penalty kill, faceoff percentage, and overall possession metrics.
The Kraken, meanwhile, secured a significant return in draft picks and a promising young player in Eyssimont. This trade is expected to have a ripple effect on the NHL trade market in the coming days, setting a new benchmark for the cost of acquiring established players.
First Piper 