Lightning’s Strategic Move: Acquiring Bjorkstrand and Gourde from Kraken

The Tampa Bay Lightning have completed a trade to acquire forward Oliver Bjorkstrand and assist machine Yanni Gourde from the Seattle Kraken. This a confirm that Tampa Bay is looking to beef up its roster ahead of the upcoming season — and they did so in an interesting three-team deal.

Analyzing the Trade

The Lightning’s acquisition of Bjorkstrand and Gourde is viewed as an effort to bolster the team’s scoring. One of the premier finishers on Columbus’ roster, known for his scoring touch and vision around the offensive zone Bjorkstrand deepens a team already brimming with options in front. While his integration into that Lightning system may come with a more challenging learning curve than the others, as far playoff runs go — and no matter what percentage of ceiling Joseph ultimately winds up hitting in his career — they can certainly count on one thing if he plays to reasonable expectations: an always reliable difference maker.

Meanwhile, Yanni Gourde gives the group experience and a dogged presence. Familiarity with how the Lightning operate and play at a championship level in postseason games will help Gourde, who has had an important role on those winning teams previously. The fact that he works hard and defence will also play into the team-game theology of things, so this is a good fit from all angles.

Impact on the Team

In these regards, his inclusion to the Lightning strikes roster will give their coaching staff some options when it comes to line pairings which could help them achieve an ideal forward group. This would allow them to be less one-dimensional on offense and more competitive in their division.

This trade also shows proactive nature of the Lightning in a very competitive league. Parading some higher-end talent that won’t be traded away anytime soon only reinforces the fact it is still looking to do likewise and remain on top of the NHL mountain.

Looking Ahead

The addition of Bjorkstrand and Gourde adds even more excitement to the roster, as Tampa Bay gets ready for a new season with high expectations from their fan base. If the buzz this new start has around Tampa is any indication, it appears that the Lightning are buying on another go at a Stanley Cup, and getting some proven bodies in there… seems to help.

Fans are hopeful to get a sense of how these new names being added will impact the product and chemistry on-ice together. A blend of youth and veteran experience, the Lightning are ready to light things up on their upcoming season.

The three-way trade where the Lightning move out to make room for Bjorkstrand, grab him and Gourde speaks volume on what this team wants — to be in contention right now. This coming season, with the ways they’ve been able to move around player contracts and salaries under this flat cap world that we’re in now… it’ll be a spectacle — I can’t wait for the new look Lightning.