Julien BriseBois, the GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning, has once again demonstrated his commitment to winning now, trading heavily for Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand from the Seattle Kraken. This deal cost the Lightning multiple high draft picks and a promising player, Michael Eyssimont, as BriseBois seeks to enhance the team's depth in the forward lines. Gourde, returning for a second stint after winning two Stanley Cups with the team, has struggled with injuries this season but the Lightning are optimistic about his performance resurgence.

Bjorkstrand, a more seasoned player than Gourde, brings consistent scoring this season, with 16 goals and 37 points in 61 games. His contract spans another year, making him a strategically valuable asset. However, the Lightning's aggressive strategy has left them without first-round draft picks for the next three years, leading to concerns about long-term sustainability. With playoff ambitions high, the strength gained through these acquisitions may outweigh future risks if the team can capitalize on this in the postseason.