According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Tampa Bay Lightning are working on a trade that would have them acquire forwards Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde from the Seattle Kraken.
It is no secret that the Lightning have been looking to improve their forward group and bringing in Bjorkstrand and Gourde would allow them to do just that. However, at this time, the two teams have not crossed the finish line yet.
If acquired, Bjorkstrand would finally get a proven top-six right winger for their second line. In 61 games this season, the 29-year-old forward has 16 goals and 37 points. He has scored 20 goals in five out of his previous six seasons.
Bjorkstrand would also be more than a rental if acquired. This is because he signed until the end of next season, carrying a $5.4 million cap hit.
Gourde, on the other hand, is a player the Bolts clearly know well. He spent the first six NHL seasons with the Lightning and memorably won two Stanley Cups during his time in Tampa.
If the Lightning bring back Gourde, he would likely be back on their third line. In 36 games this season, the veteran forward has six goals, 17 points, and 59 hits.
We will need to wait and see if the Lightning can successfully bring Bjorkstrand and Gourde to Tampa Bay from here.
Recent Lightning News
Lightning Superstar Is Absolutely Dominating Right Now
Lightning Reportedly Linked To Canucks Star