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Bjorkstrand gets dream debut with late winner for Tamba Bay

Oliver Bjorkstrand had a dream debut for Tampa Bay
Oliver Bjorkstrand had a dream debut for Tampa BayČTK / AP / Lindsey Wasson
Oliver Bjorkstrand had a dream debut for Tampa Bay Lightning following his transfer from Seattle Kraken when he scored the winning third-period goal during Lightning's 6-5 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday evening.

Bjorkstrand scored on a wrist shot with 18:20 remaining, assisted by Nikita Kucherov and Yanni Gourde.

Bjorkstrand had 16 goals and 37 points over 61 games with Seattle.

The 29-year-old has spent the last three seasons with the Kraken, reaching the 20-goal level in both 2022-23 and 2023-24.

The longtime Columbus Blue Jacket and Danish international has found the back of the net 20 times or more in six of the last seven campaigns.

The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired forwards Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde from the Seattle Kraken, it was announced Wednesday afternoon.

"Oliver and Yanni were tremendous players for our organization who led by example on and off the ice, and I wish them all the best in their next chapter with the Lightning,” Kraken general manager Ron Francis said in a news release.

"Decisions like these are never easy, but creating this valuable cap space and draft capital allows us to be active in improving our team moving forward. In addition, we welcome Michael Eyssimont to the group. He’s a versatile, hardworking forward who can join our lineup immediately.”