In this evening’s publication of Trade Deadline Thoughts courtesy of Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the insider listed Tampa Bay Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand on his “names to keep an eye on”.
Standing at #5 in the league, and by no means a seller, it figures that GM Julien BriseBois is looking to move out the 30-year-old’s expiring $5.4MM valued contract in pursuit of other forward depth. Such would be tough news for the veteran, as he still has a role on the contending Lightning, averaging just over 14 minutes a night and getting time on the power play. The Denmark native also has some control over his fate, as he holds a 10-team no trade clause. However, Bjorkstrand’s cap hit could simply be allocated better elsewhere should a deal actually materialize.
Bjorkstrand has 28 points in 59 games on the season, solid production, but not worth his ticket. Also not helping matters is that his possession metrics at 5-on-5 have dipped this year, a -2.7% in relative corsi for at even strength. Tampa Bay has had more success at even strength when he’s not on the ice, and that’s especially impactful as he takes up over $5MM for a team which is right against the cap.
Exactly one year ago today, Bjorkstrand was acquired by Tampa Bay along with Yanni Gourde from Seattle. He had been productive with the Kraken, hovering around the 50-point level, and figured to be scoring depth for the Bolts. One year later though, his inflated contract could result in another deal.
If Bjorkstrand would actually be moved, the most likely outcome would be somewhat similar to Edmonton’s dealing with Andrew Mangiapane. BriseBois would need to add draft sweeteners while simultaneously bringing in a respectable forward. It came at a high cost to the Oilers, who had to surrender a conditional 2027 first-round pick. However as Bjorkstrand’s deal comes to an end this summer, it should be closer to the third-round pick range. Tampa Bay holds both their second and third round picks for 2026, but without their first, and a fourth, they’d want to avoid running so thin and could look to 2027 or 2028 instead.
Regardless, the question stands as to who they could be after. With Dominic James set to miss eight-to-ten weeks with a lower body injury, the Bolts may be wise to add another center. Internally, Gourde has regressed this year and is best suited in a limited role. Nashville’s Erik Haula or Toronto’s Scott Laughton are options which shouldn’t break the bank, and Brayden Schenn could be a dark horse veteran option, but unlikely, as Bjorkstrand’s outgoing salary along with retention would be key factors.
If content to pursue wingers instead, they could bring back a familiar face. Calgary’s Blake Coleman or the Rangers’ Taylor Raddysh would be welcome additions.
At this point Tampa Bay has seldom been directly linked to any forwards in serious discussion. However, if rumors start picking up Bjorkstrand could be a name to watch. Clearly too late for him to rebuild his stock and bounce back onto another contender, the two-way forward would in all likelihood utilize a larger role on a non-playoff team to help with his free agency optics this summer.