The Seattle Kraken have pulled off a surprising maneuver just before the trade deadline, sending fan-favorite Yanni Gourde and steady offensive contributor Oliver Bjorkstrand to the Tampa Bay Lightning. In return, Seattle receives Tampa’s first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, banking on the future upside of young talent or potential trade assets. While it’s always difficult to say goodbye to beloved players, this blockbuster deal could reshape the Kraken’s roster for seasons to come.
Seattle gets first round pick in 26, first round pick in 27, Toronto's 2nd in '25 and Eyssimont in trade with Tampa.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 5, 2025
Bolts get Gourde and Bjokstrand plus 5th Rd pick in '26
Interestingly, both Gourde and Bjorkstrand had been highlighted in our earlier articles discussing potential trade chips for the Kraken. Gourde was frequently brought up thanks to his championship pedigree and versatility, while Bjorkstrand was cited for his steady production and team-friendly contract. Although some may have hoped the front office would find a way to keep both players long-term, the ongoing speculation foreshadowed that at least one of them might be moved in a significant deal.
Tampa Bay’s new dynamic duo
Yanni Gourde’s departure is bound to leave a significant hole in Seattle’s lineup. After all, he was drafted from the Lightning in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft to bring playoff experience and a relentless work ethic. Gourde quickly became one of Seattle’s most beloved forwards, combining grit with surprising offensive flair. His high-energy style, especially when skating alongside Brandon Tanev and Tye Kartye, provided a spark that often tilted momentum in the Kraken’s favor. Now, he returns to Tampa Bay, the city where he hoisted the Stanley Cup twice and first made his NHL mark.
Oliver Bjorkstrand might not have been part of the original Kraken roster, but he made a strong impression after arriving from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for third and fourth-round picks. His knack for finding the back of the net earned him 45 and 59 points in his first two Seattle seasons. This year, he’s already at 16 goals and 21 assists—numbers that show why the Lightning see him as more than just a secondary add-on. Although he doesn’t bring quite the same physical edge as Gourde, Bjorkstrand’s steady scoring touch and two-way awareness should bolster Tampa Bay’s middle-six offense.
A major selling point for the Lightning is the existing chemistry between Gourde and Bjorkstrand. While Gourde found himself on the fourth line at times this season, these two have logged meaningful minutes together in previous campaigns, sometimes alongside Eeli Tolvanen. Their familiarity could allow Tampa Bay’s coaching staff to slot them into the lineup without missing a beat, giving the team a cohesive new unit right in time for a potential playoff run.
Kraken’s future outlook
From Seattle’s perspective, parting with two proven forwards in the middle of the season is a gamble. However, securing two first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 sets the stage for potential long-term gains. General manager Ron Francis clearly believes in building a strong prospect pool or maintaining the flexibility to package those picks in later deals. While fans will miss the energy and production of Gourde and Bjorkstrand, this trade could prove valuable in constructing a deeper, more competitive roster in the years ahead.
All in all, it’s a bittersweet moment for both the players and the fans. Seattle may feel an immediate void, but the Lightning will benefit from adding proven playoff performers just as the intensity of the season ramps up. For Kraken supporters, there’s now a unique reason to keep an eye on Tampa Bay’s playoff pursuits—rooting for two familiar faces who left a memorable stamp on Seattle’s young franchise.