NHL

NHL News: Lightning bring back 2x Stanley Cup champion in three-team trade with Red Wings, Kraken

With the goal of entering the final stretch of the NHL season strong, the Tampa Bay Lightning have added two players, one of whom is a Stanley Cup champion, in a major trade with the Detroit Red Wings and Seattle Kraken.

March 05, 2025 04:49PM EDT

**© Julio Aguilar/Getty Images**Head coach Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning answers questions at a press conference after 5-3 loss against the Florida Panthers in Game Three of the First Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on April 25, 2024 in Tampa, Florida.

The Tampa Bay Lightning continue their primary goal of securing a playoff spot this season in the NHL, and to achieve that, they have added two key reinforcements to strengthen their roster for the final stretch of the regular season. In a significant trade involving the Detroit Red Wings and the Seattle Kraken, Jon Cooper‘s team adds two new faces, one of whom is a two-time Stanley Cup champion.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Lightning have acquired the services of Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde. Additionally, they secured a fifth-round pick in the 2026 draft and prospect Kyle Aucoin.

For their part, the Detroit Red Wings received a fourth-round pick in the 2025 draft, which will come from the better-ranked team between Tampa Bay and Edmonton. Todd McLellan’s team has the opportunity to add talent for the future.

Finally, the Kraken add Mikey Eyssimont to their roster, along with a 1st-round pick in 2026 and 2027 (both top-10 protected), as well as a 2nd-round pick 25. If either first-round pick falls within the top 10, it will slide back one year, meaning both picks could potentially move to 2028 and 2029. Additionally, Seattle will receive an extra third-round pick from Tampa Bay each time this scenario occurs.

Yanni Gourde #37 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates with the Stanley Cup after the 1-0 victory against the Montreal Canadiens in Game Five to win the 2021 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on July 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.

The Playoffs, the primary goal for the Lightning

The decisive 6-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets has placed Tampa Bay in third place in the Atlantic Division. Although there is still some time left in the regular season, Jon Cooper’s team continues to move forward with a steady pace, keeping their sole focus on reaching the playoffs.

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What’s next for the Lightning?

vs Buffalos Sabers, March 6th
vs Boston Bruins, March 8th
vs Carolina Hurricanes, March 11th
vs Philadelphia Flyers, March 13th
vs Boston Bruins, March 15th

Matías Persuh

Matias Persuh is a sports journalist and writer who began his career after graduating with a bachelor's degree in Sports Journalism in 2008. Over the years, he has covered numerous events, including local soccer games, and has conducted interviews with players and coaches. In addition to his writing, Matias has contributed as a columnist on various radio shows. Joining Bolavip US in July 2024 marked a significant step forward in his career, allowing him to continue developing his skills and delivering resonant news and reports to the audience.

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