### Seattle Kraken Shake Up Roster with Major Trade Ahead of NHL Deadline On March 5, 2025, the Seattle Kraken executed a significant roster overhaul by trading forwards Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand to the Tampa Bay Lightning. This complex three-team deal also involved the Detroit Red Wings and resulted in the Kraken acquiring forward Michael Eyssimont, along with multiple draft picks: a 2025 second-round pick, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2027 first-round pick. This trade marks a pivotal moment for the Kraken as they look to reshape their team for future success while the Lightning bolster their roster for a playoff push. *The trade reflects the Kraken's strategy to focus on long-term development while the Lightning aim for immediate results in a competitive Eastern Conference* [https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/seattle-kraken-acquire-2026-2027-first-round-picks-a-2025-second-round-pick-and-forward-michael-eyssimont-in-exchange-for-forwards-oliver-bjorkstrand-yanni-gourde-and-a-2026-fifth-round-pick-pr]. ### Breakdown of the Trade and Its Implications 1. **Trade Details**: - The Kraken traded Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand to the Lightning. - In return, they received Michael Eyssimont and three draft picks: a 2025 second-round pick, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2027 first-round pick [https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/kraken/kraken-trade-yanni-gourde-oliver-bjorkstrand-to-lightning-reports-say]. - The Lightning also received a 2026 fifth-round pick from the Kraken [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/lightning_acquire_bjorkstrand_gourde_for_1st_round_picks_2nd_eyssimont/s1_16448_41857899]. 2. **Player Profiles**: - **Yanni Gourde**: A veteran center known for his two-way play, Gourde has previously won two Stanley Cups with the Lightning. He has 17 points in 36 games this season [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/lightning_finalize_trade_acquire_gourde_bjorkstrand_from_kraken/s1_16454_41857590]. - **Oliver Bjorkstrand**: A consistent scorer, Bjorkstrand has a career-high of 59 points last season and adds depth to the Lightning's offensive lineup [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/lightning_acquire_bjorkstrand_already_125413977.html]. - **Michael Eyssimont**: The newest Kraken forward, Eyssimont was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings and has shown promise in the AHL, making him a potential asset for Seattle's future [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/get_to_know_the_newest_kraken_michael_eyssimont/s1_16448_41873128]. 3. **Strategic Implications**: - The Kraken are positioning themselves as sellers at the trade deadline, focusing on acquiring future assets while the Lightning are making a push for another deep playoff run [https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/trade-coverage/yanni-gourde-oliver-bjorkstrand-traded-to-tampa-bay-lightning-by-seattle-kraken]. - This trade could significantly impact both teams' trajectories, with the Kraken looking to build for the future and the Lightning aiming to capitalize on their current competitive window [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6178296/2025/03/05/nhl-trade-grades-lightning-kraken-yanni-gourde-oliver-bjorkstrand]. ### Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Both Teams **The trade between the Seattle Kraken and Tampa Bay Lightning represents a critical juncture for both franchises**. 1. **For the Kraken**: - They are embracing a long-term strategy by acquiring valuable draft picks and a promising player in Eyssimont, which could enhance their future competitiveness. 2. **For the Lightning**: - They are reinforcing their roster with experienced players like Gourde and Bjorkstrand, aiming to secure another championship in a highly competitive playoff landscape. This trade not only reshapes the immediate futures of both teams but also sets the stage for their respective strategies moving forward in the NHL [https://www.apnews.com/article/nhl-trade-deadline-874997659d2e664a07815140696d264c].