Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois has never been hesitant to make a move if it meant the team was one step closer to winning another Stanley Cup.
On Wednesday, he reiterated that notion in acquiring Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand from the Seattle Kraken.
The Lightning sent the Kraken two first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, as well as forward Mikey Eyssimont and Toronto’s second-round pick, which was acquired from Utah in last year’s trade of long time defenseman Mikhail Sergachev. Tampa Bay also received Seattle’s fifth-round pick in 2026.
“I am trying to assemble as many good players on our team as possible and using our draft picks to do so,” said BriseBois. “The value in having draft pick lies in our ability to convert them into players that can help us win NHL hockey games.”
Gourde is in his final year of the six-year contract he signed with Tampa Bay back in 2019 before heading to Seattle in the 2021 expansion draft. At a time where the Lightning have already established their identity, Gourde is returning to a system, coach and organization that he knows well. In past years, there’s been a transition period for some the Lightning’s newly acquired players at the trade deadline.
"We finished the deal after the game not before the game,” said BriseBois. “I needed medical clearance. Once he got cleared and actually ended up playing the game and looked good, it gave us additional comfort I would say."
Gourde brings with him an already established teammate in Bjorkstrand, who is reliable winger that’s on pace for his sixth 20-goal season. The 29-year-old is signed through the 2025-26 season and could possibly slot in on the second line with Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli. Adding Bjorkstrand gives the Lightning the most players of any team with at least 10 high-danger goals (7) this season.
“You are getting a player who is really really intelligent, who can play in all situations, has a real 200 foot game, compliments good players because he is a good player himself and again, that ability get that shot off.” said BriseBois said of Bjorkstrand. “Especially for a right shot that we didn't really have in our mix at that level. I think is going to be a really good fit for the players we have right now.”
“When I called them, they both said, 'We were hoping it was going to be Tampa,' so that was good to hear. I am really excited to be bringing them in," said BriseBois.
The Kraken retained 50% of Gourde’s salary, while Detroit committed to 25%, receiving the higher of the Lightning’s fourth-round pick in 2025 or the 2025 fourth-round pick they acquired from Edmonton last year.
One of the biggest needs for the Lightning this season has been depth scoring and on paper, these two players fulfill that need. Bjorkstrand could also find himself on the top power play unit as a recipient of feeds from captain Victor Hedman or Nikita Kucherov. The left circle spot is one the team has yet to fill since Steven Stamkos’ went to Nashville.
“We used some draft capital to add two good players that will help us win more games this season and beyond,” said BriseBois. “Ultimately, the calculation is that trying and failing will yield less regret than failing to try.”
“Winning the Stanley Cup is hard and it is what drives us and guides us in our decision making. You need good players to win a championship. The more good players you have, the better your odds are.”