The 2025 NHL trade deadline marked an exciting period for Lightning fans. In a blockbuster trade, the Lightning managed to reacquire the beloved Yanni Gourde from the Seattle kraken. While his presence in Tampa Bay was very much missed, the Tampa Bay Lightning also acquired the services of Oliver Bjorkstrand.
Best known for his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Oliver Bjorkstrand has been a consistent forward in the National Hockey League. Bjorkstrand has always been able to contribute in a top-nine role. The 30-year-old forward ended the 2024-2025 NHL season with 46 points. Impressively, the 2024-2025 season marked the fourth straight season in which Bjorkstrand managed to score 20 or more goals.
Unfortunately, Bjorkstrand’s inaugural tenure with the Bolts was cut short due to an unforeseen predicament. ESPN.com reported in April that Bjorkstrand had suffered a lower-body injury therefore keeping him from playing in a Lightning uniform.
Although the injury did keep Bjorkstrand from completing his first few games in Tampa Bay, he will be looking to stay in Tampa Bay for the 2025-2026 NHL season. Per PuckPedia, Bjorkstrand remains under a reasonable $5.4 million deal for next season. Tentatively, Bjorkstrand is set for a middle-six role in Tampa Bay.
With Bjorkstrand looking to make a positive impression next season, fans will be ready to see what the veteran is truly capable of in a change of scenery. Any injury surely frustrates a player. However, Bjorkstrand aims to be resilient and hit the ground running next season.
It is important to note that Bjorkstrand is only one season removed from his career best season. In 82 games with the Seattle Kraken last season, Bjorkstrand tallied 59 points, 25 of which came on the power play. His play last season shows that Bjorkstrand is still a trusted and reliable player in the National Hockey League. He can still contribute depth scoring on a stacked Lightning roster. Bjorkstrand's presence on the Lightning allows for a scoring to become spread out throughout the Lightning roster. The Panthers series exposed the Lightning in more ways than one. If Bjorkstrand had played in the series, maybe the outcome would have been different. While fans can sit and speculate all day long, there is no point in the entertaining the debate. Fans should look to turn the page towards a healthy Oliver Bjorkstrand. After a season that ended in tragic fashion, Bjorkstrand is one of the many pieces ready to help change the narrative. When a completely healthy Bjorkstrand is available, fans will see a notable difference in Lightning hockey.
Before next season, Bjorkstrand will have an entire offseason and preseason to fully and capably acclimate to the Lightning system. He will be able to find his right fit with his fellow Bolts under the seasoned direction of Jon Cooper. With players such as Connor Geekie, Anthony Cirelli, and Brandon Hagel looking to be his potential linemates, Bjorkstrand is already poised to have another great year. Other teams better watch out because Bjorkstrand is ready for a great season in Tampa Bay.