Breaking: Tampa Bay Lightning Bolsters Offense with Blockbuster Trade
The Lightning have just swung a blockbuster deal with the Seattle Kraken to land forwards Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde, along with a 2026 fifth-round pick.
In exchange, the Kraken will receive first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2025 second-round pick, and forward Michael Eyssimont.
Trade details:
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 5, 2025
To #GoBolts:
Yanni Gourde
Oliver Bjorkstrand
2026 SEA 5th Round Pick
To #SeaKraken:
2026 TBL 1st Round Pick
2027 TBL 1st Round Pick
2025 TOR 2nd Round Pick
Mikey Eyssimont
Tampa Bay’s next first round pick is in 2028.
This move marks a homecoming for Gourde, 33, who was a key part of the Lightning’s back-to-back Stanley Cup championships before being scooped up by Seattle in the 2021 expansion draft.
Gourde recently returned to action after recovering from sports hernia surgery, making an immediate impact with an assist in the Kraken’s Tuesday night loss to the Minnesota Wild. He had been sidelined since January 2, making his return a welcome sight for fans.
Meanwhile, Bjorkstrand brings his own spark to the lineup, having tallied 16 goals and 37 points in 61 games with the Kraken this season.
With these additions, the Lightning are clearly gearing up for another deep playoff run, adding both skill and experience to their already formidable roster. Watch out, NHL—Tampa Bay is reloaded and ready to shine!
🚨 The Tampa Bay Lightning have acquired Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde from Seattle. Kraken getting back two 1st-round picks, a 2nd-round pick, and Michael Eyssimont 🚨
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 5, 2025
(via @FriedgeHNIC, @PierreVLeBrun) pic.twitter.com/aiXFKW131f
Known for his defensive prowess as a center, Gourde has contributed 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 35 games with the Kraken this season.
Over his 580-game NHL career, he’s amassed an impressive 132 goals and 200 assists. He’s also proven himself in the playoffs, tallying 20 goals and 22 assists in 82 post-season appearances.
As for Eyssimont, he departs Tampa Bay after recording five goals and 10 points in 57 games this season, leaving behind a modest but notable contribution to the Lightning’s lineup.
As the NHL action heats up, the Tampa Bay Lightning head into Wednesday’s games sitting comfortably in third place in the Atlantic Division, boasting 76 points through 61 games.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken are shifting their focus to the future, currently trailing by 11 points for a wild-card spot in the competitive Western Conference.
Image - Steven Bisig-Imagn
