Kraken Strike Deadline Deal, Acquire First-Round Picks From Lightning
The Seattle Kraken traded right winger Oliver Bjorkstrand as part of a trade package to the Tampa Bay Lightning for three draft picks. Credit: Jennthulu Photos
The NHL Trade Deadline looms this Friday at 12pm PT, but that hasn’t stopped the Seattle Kraken from getting an early start.
In the first of what could be multiple deals incoming before Friday’s deadline, Kraken general manager Ron Francis and company reportedly swung a large deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning sending two key veterans out the door for draft picks.
According to reports, the Kraken are trading right winger Oliver Bjorkstrand and center Yanni Gourde to the Lightning in exchange for Tampa’s first round pick in 2026, first rounder in 2027, as well as Toronto’s second round pick this year and center Michael Eyssimont.
This sets in motion what most Kraken fans have anticipated for weeks. After failing to get off to a quick start coming out of the all-star break, the team is a clear seller in what looks to be a seller’s market in the NHL. Seattle could reset their future with the amount of draft capital they received in this deal. They will have an extra first round pick in each of the 2026 and 2027 drafts as well as an extra second in this year’s draft, creating an opportunity for a rapid reload.
As one of the cornerstones of the trade, Eyssimont heads west, closer to his native Colorado. He has five goals and five assists in 57 games for Tampa this season.
Eyssimont’s ice time had dwindled of late in Tampa. With the Kraken in rebuild mode, he’ll get a chance at more ice time in Seattle. Set to be a free agent after this season, he will be playing for a new contract in the Pacific Northwest or elsewhere for the rest of the schedule.
This marks a new day for the Kraken. Gourde had been part of the franchise since its inaugural season, beginning in 2021. Bjrokstrand came just a year after. Gourde ranks fourth in franchise history with 271 games played and 146 points, while Bjorkstrand ranks fourth in franchise history with 56 goals and fifth with 85 assists.
Now, both will be wearing Lightning uniforms to round out the 2024-2025 season and enter the hunt for a Stanley Cup trophy.
Moving forward, Francis has his work cut out for him to maximize this massive return in draft capital. Plus, there is nothing saying this is the only trade the Kraken will execute.
Brandon Tanev also remains on the team with an expiring contract and could be another name to keep a very close eye on before the deadline.
Regardless of whether Tanev or another veteran gets sent packing next, with 48 hours until the deadline, the Kraken already look dramatically different with the page turning towards the 2025-26 season.
