The Seattle Kraken have traded forwards Yanni Gourde, Oliver Bjorkstrand and a fifth-round pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for two first-round picks, a second-round pick and forward Michael Eyssimont. 

Gourde will return to the Lightning, where he spent the first 310 games of his NHL career. During his tenure with the Lightning, Gourde won two Stanley Cups and solidified himself as a hard-working and defensively responsible third-line centre. 

This season has been a challenging one for Gourde. His numbers have taken a dip, and he has dealt with injury problems. He's played in just 36 games this year, scoring six goals and 17 points, but recently returned to game action after undergoing sports hernia surgery. 

Bjorkstrand came to the Kraken in a trade and has been one of the top producers since joining. In 61 games this season, the 29-year-old has scored 16 goals and 37 points. 

With forwards such as Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, Jake Guentzel, Anthony Cirelli, Nick Paul and Brandon Hagel, Bjorkstrand's skill should blend in nicely with the Lightning's top six. 

The Kraken will be receiving two first round picks, both of which are top-10 protected, one in 2026 and the other in 2027. They'll also receive the Toronto Maple Leafs' 2025 second round pick and forward Eyssimont. The Kraken will also retain 50% of Gourde's contract and the Detroit Red Wings will retain 25%. 

Eyssimont is a 28-year-old winger who's scored five goals and 10 points in 57 games playing in the Lightning's bottom six. 

The move opens space for the young Kraken forwards to take on larger roles and adds to the Kraken's already deep draft capital.

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