The Tampa Bay Lightning announced a whopping trade a few days before the deadline. The full trade details are as follows:
- Tampa Bay acquires F Yanni Gourde (50% retained by Seattle, 25% retained by Detroit), F Oliver Bjorkstrand, the signing rights to D Kyle Aucoin, and Seattle’s 2025 fifth-round pick
- Seattle acquires F Michael Eyssimont, Tampa Bay’s 2026 first-round pick, Tampa Bay’s 2027 first-round pick, and Toronto’s 2025 second-round pick
- Detroit acquires a conditional 2025 fourth-round pick (the highest selection between Tampa Bay or Edmonton’s 2025 fourth-round pick)
As a final note on the two first-round picks headed to Seattle, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that both are top-10 protected. If either of the picks are in the top-10, they slide back one year, theoretically meaning they could slide back to the 2028 or 2029 NHL Draft. If that happens to either draft selection, the Lightning will send a third-round pick to the Kraken for any year that it happens.
Tampa opened up some roster flexibility today after waiving forwards Cam Atkinson and Logan Brown on Tuesday, but the moves will only open $900K in cap space. We now know that the Lightning brought in the Detroit Red Wings as a third party for the deal, as they’ll help bring Gourde’s cap hit down to $1.29MM after retention.
Given the package returning to Seattle, this deal will inevitably have a downstream effect on the market. Although Bjorkstrand himself isn’t a rental, it’s a massive price to pay for two players projected to play in the Lightning’s middle-six. It’s a heavy price, but Tampa Bay is gambling that Gourde and Bjorkstrand will be more valuable than two draft picks later in the first round.
Still, aside from the price, it’s not easy to hypothesize better additions for the Lightning. Gourde returns to the organization where he won two Stanley Cup rings in 2020 and 2021 after a four-year hiatus in Washington state.
At the time of writing, Tampa Bay is 10th in the NHL with an 81.05% penalty kill and 18th with a team faceoff percentage of 50.32%. Furthermore, aside from the topical statistics, they are 16th in the NHL with a 50.5% CorsiFor% at even strength. Gourde is expected to help in all three areas. 
He’ll carry a 50.8% faceoff rate and a 52.2% CorsiFor% at even strength into his first game back with the Lightning. The move will also allow Tampa Bay to move Nick Paul to the second line and give Gourde third-line minutes next to a combination of different wingers. Given the firepower at the top of Tampa Bay’s forward core, Gourde won’t be counted upon as much for offense, which could even help improve his play on the defensive side of the puck.
The deal’s benefits don’t end there for Tampa. If the Lightning believe Paul is better suited on the third line, Bjorkstrand can immediately step into the second line. Dating back to his tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Bjorkstand can generally be relied upon for 20 goals and 30 to 40 assists a year. Bjorkstrand is only one year removed from the best offensive production of his career, scoring 20 goals and 59 points for the Kraken in 82 contests.
Similarly to Gourde, Bjorkstrand is a solid possession player, evidenced by his career CorsiFor% of 52.0% at even strength. Given that Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli have scored 30 and 20 goals already this season, respectively, Bjorkstrand will be an effective playmaker to put alongside them.
The only roster player headed to Seattle is Eyssimont. He’s spent the last three years as a bottom-six forward for the Lightning and is only one year removed from a career campaign himself. Eyssimont scored 11 goals and 25 points in 81 games for Tampa Bay last season, averaging 11:51 of ice time per game. Unfortunately, he hasn’t lived up to those standards this year, scoring five goals and 10 points in 51 contests, averaging 10:41 of ice time per game.
Meanwhile, the Kraken are on the horizon of complementing an already deep prospect pool. Seattle will have nine picks in the top 64 of the next three NHL Drafts alone. Should the Lightning continue winning, those first-round picks won’t fall till later. Still, it’s always better to have two picks in the first round rather than one.
The impact of this deal on the trade market cannot be overstated. Many have perceived that this year’s deadline has become a seller’s market, and this trade solidifies that notion. Clear-cut buyers such as the Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Winnipeg Jets may have more difficulty improving their roster after this trade. Additionally, teams on the playoff bubble may have an easier time buying and selling before Friday’s deadline.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports images.
Friedman was the first to report that Seattle was acquiring two first-round picks in the deal.
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun was the first to report a majority of the trade details.
LeBrun was the first to report salary retention details and Detroit’s involvement.
PHR’s Brennan McClain contributed to this article.
Tampa Bay absolutely has to improve there bottom six forward group. Solid move if they can pull it off.
their ?
Trading two 1sts is insane. They are not winning a cup this year
If Vasi gets hot they absolutely can win the cup this year
Horrible trade by Tampa Bay.
Another year, another attempt by the Lightning to circumvent the cap. Bless.
They don’t have anyone on LTIR and would be using accrued cap space. However, Seattle will most likely need to retain 50% on Gourde, and even then either take back another contract or get somebody else involved.
Even with $6.9 in cap space they can’t pull off Gourde + Bjorkstrand. Not without Seattle eating 50% on both deals. If Seattle does opt to do that, Tampa will have to give up a lot and they don’t have much in the way of assets. Hopefully they can convince Seattle to at least take Atkinson and Sheary in return.
Not necessarily, Tampa will have to probably give up their 2026 1st round pick for this deal for Seattle to do 50% retention on both. But I don’t think it’s going to cost a lot believe it or not. Another draft pick & maybe a player like Sheary or a prospect pending on the additional draft pick being sent to Seattle as that would probably do the deal. We’ll just have to wait & see.
Detroit retained 25% of Yanni’s salary or $1,291,667 for a 4th
Bjorkstrand is at 5.4 and still has a year left after this season, and he’s one of the more valuable forwards for the kraken in terms of production per $. Must not have a lot of interest across the league in rental market this year. Ron Francis’ reputation for having a soft touch extends beyond the Assists column it seems.
I stand corrected! Looks like a good return. Maybe they can leverage one of those picks in a trade for a roster upgrade.
Bjorkstrand will be a better finisher on Hagel and Cirelli’s line. Gourde’s an easy bottom-6 upgrade.
Solid moves for Tampa, I hate it.
I love it !!
Tampa is in desperate need of bottom 6 depth. The price might be steep but these two were needed.
*** spit take ***
TWO first round picks?!?!?!?
Not a Lightning fan, but a huge Kucherov fan. If this trade goes through, I honestly believe Tampa becomes the odds-on favorite to win the Cup. I just put money down to that effect just in case it does happen.
Seattle gets Tampa Bay’s 2026 first-round pick, Tampa Bay’s 2027 first-round pick, Toronto’s 2025 second-round pick, and Mikey Eyssimont?!?… Holy crap?!? That’s overpay!
Seattle is actually getting the better end of this deal, I can’t believe I’m saying that. Gourde is at best a rental & on the decline. Bjorkstrand is a nice pickup though with term. But why are they trading Eyssimont smh?!? He’s one of their more aggressive bottom-six players. I’m not a fan of this deal right now but it is what it is. Maybe it will pay off.
At that price they should have taken Jared McCann instead of Gourde IMO.
I had to read it again to make sure I didnt miss something. Wow.
Is it possible that TB would go after Jakub Vrana on the waiver wire?
Ron Francis finally won a trade for the Kraken thanks to BriseBois over paying once again in a deal. What a haul for the Kraken.
He also won the Kakko trade and he got Bjorkstrand originally for a third… another win.
Thank you Seattle for setting the market for the rest of the deadline
The Flyers should certainly get a First Rounder for sure now for Laughton
Tampa Bay giving up draft picks like candy, Brisbois always likes to overpay for rentals which could’ve been used in bigger deals or potential homegrown talent
The 1st round 2026 pick is Top 10 protected, slides to 2028 1st and 3rd.
The 1st round 2027 pick is Top 10 protected, slides to 2028 1st and 3rd. If 2026 1st already slid to 2028, it slides to 2029 1st and 3rd.
This is according to PuckPedia.
Meanwhile Rob continues to whistle in the dark.
Puckpedia has also reported conditions on the two 1sts:
Top 10 protected 2026 and 2027.
If one protection (including 2025 TB 1st to NSH) is triggered, SEA receives 2028 1st and 3rd.
If two protections triggered, SEA also receives 2029 1st and 3rd.
that’s a lot…
If the picks slide to ’28 and/or ’29, are they still top 10 protected in ’28/’29?
No the ‘28 & ‘29 picks are not protected if they slide to their.
Thanks!
This time of year GMs turn into river boat gamblers, Everybody over pays.
Francis saves 5.6 next year and acquires two first rounders that while protected should come to Seattle when they’re supposed to. Eberle moves into Ollie’s spot and Eyssimont will slide into Eberle’s spot on the 4th line.
I’d be shocked if Tanev is on the team for their next game.
My takeaway is that teams that might have been reluctant sellers should go for the gusto and put everyone up there.
JBB continues to overpay. No way that’s a good deal without McCann involved.
Wow. What a trade for the Kraken. Two future 1sts from a Tampa team that may be on the decline* by then. Possibly extra picks too??
Reminds me of Tampa getting Tanner Jeannot.
*will they be? I know they’ve had a long run
They won’t be declining by 2026 or 2027. Come on now lol! They will be a contender for the remainder of the decade for sure not barring any injuries.
Most of their top guys are under 30 including Point (28), Hagel (26), Cirelli (27), Paul (29) & such. Guentzel just turned 30 in October. Yes, Kucherov (31), Hedman (34), Vasilevskiy (30), & McDonagh (35). The prime years for players are typically from 27 to 33/34.
Many of these guys have many top years left. Kucherov alone will remain elite for potentially another 6-7 years easily because of his style of play. Defense players are harder to indicate but Hedman & McDonagh are proving to be exceptions. Vasilevskiy isn’t letting up anytime soon as he’s arguably one of the top 2 goalies in the league. Furthermore guys like Isaac Howard, Conor Geekie, Ethan Gauthier, Dylan Duke & such will be coming up.
Also there is no extra picks as you are obviously not understanding Top 10 protected scenario.
Furthermore, you can’t compare this to the Jeannot situation as it depends how Gourde & Bjorkstrand play out.
According to the article, if the 1st round picks slide, the Kraken also receive a 3rd rounder in the unprotected year.
Thank you for providing context to the Tampa side. Just been so good for so long, made me curious how long they have left. Wishing you guys the best!
Oh my bad mate. I’m all stirred up here with mixed feelings on this trade. But yes, you’re correct on the 3rd rounders if the 1st rounders slide.
No problem on providing text & thanks mate!
this trade proves tampa is going for it , and why not. the d core is aging , this move sets up their top 6 for next year as well. gourde is great depth and would run through a mountain for john cooper. crazy how people would rather see their team “keep draft picks” instead of winning now while their window is still open. no guarantee those picks become anything good , meanwhile we know who the involved players are. the picks are great for seattle if they’re looking to get some futures and retool/whatever. tampa overpays a tad but it’s jbb’s mo and seems to be a sellers market rn.
“crazy how people would rather see their team “keep draft picks” instead of winning now while their window is still open.”
Exactly. I’m still mad we drafted Sam Poulin instead of renting someone to beat the Isles that year.
This move combined with the Jeannot trade leaves the Bolts with something like no draft picks for the next 3 years. Or close to that.
Not sure if those two players are worth all that, but it does make the Bolts better.
That’s a wild price to pay for Bjorkstrand and whatever Gourde will be when he returns.
But because they’re built for perennial contending as long as Kucherov, Vasilevsky and others are on the roster, it won’t sting that bad if they’re not successful. It’s like Jeannot or the Leafs trading firsts every year… you probably do it 10/10 times anyway. The goal is to hoist a cup, not accumulate futures.
But a middling team trading this package to squeeze out a playoff run? They’d be crippled, win or not.
Here’s the thing: Does THIS trade make them better? YES. Does THIS trade mean they hoist the Cup? No.
Could they have done better with what they shipped out in draft capital? YES. If Tuch is available, that’s the way to go. Otherwise McCann and/or Tanev are better choices to make them a Stanley Cup contender and not a 1st round KO again. We must remember that the playoffs are a different animal and those two I just mentioned were better fits to hoist the Cup. We will see. Hope I’m wrong.
McCann is younger and has an extra year on his deal, which is reasonable for his production. He wasn’t going to be had for this package (along with Tanev) if it landed them Bjorkstrand/Gourde.
It was the perfect situation with Gourde likely having more value to Tampa than to anyone else.
So Detroit traded a quarter of a player for a 4th rounder? That’s a new one on me.
The guys on Spittin chiclets pod on Tuesday did say that T Bay could bring back Gourde but Bjorkstrand is a bonus.. Would not want to face TB in the 1st round.