Lightning Acquire Gourde, Bjorkstrand in Major Three-Team Trade

The Tampa Bay Lightning have made a significant move ahead of the NHL trade deadline by acquiring forwards Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand from the Seattle Kraken in a three-team trade that also involved the Detroit Red Wings. The Lightning sent two conditional first-round picks, a second-round pick, and player Mikey Eyssimont to Seattle, while both the Kraken and Red Wings retained portions of Gourde's salary to facilitate the deal. Gourde, who returns to Tampa Bay after previously winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with the team, recently recovered from surgery and adds depth to the Lightning's roster. Bjorkstrand, an efficient scorer for the Kraken, is expected to enhance the Lightning's offensive lineup. With these acquisitions, the Lightning aim to strengthen their playoff push, capitalizing on their current momentum as one of the league's hottest teams. The trade reflects the Lightning's win-now mentality as they continue to build for another championship run.