Apr 7, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (22) attempts a shot against the New York Rangers during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

nhl

Lightning’s Oliver Bjorkstrand Out Week-to-Week with Injury

Oliver Bjorkstrand sidelined week-to-week as Lightning reshuffle lines ahead of playoffs and recall top prospect Conor Geekie.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are heading into the playoffs with a tough blow to their roster. Forward Oliver Bjorkstrand, one of their trade deadline additions, is officially sidelined with a lower-body injury and is listed as week-to-week. Head coach Jon Cooper confirmed the news, noting that while they’re not completely ruling him out for the entire postseason, his chances of playing in the first round are looking slim.

This is a difficult setback for the Lightning, especially considering they brought in Bjorkstrand alongside Yanni Gourde from the Seattle Kraken to boost their depth and scoring options. Though Bjorkstrand hasn’t made a huge impact since joining the team—registering 5 goals and 4 assists in 18 games, his presence was still valuable.

Lightning’s Oliver Bjorkstrand Out Week-To-Weekhttps://t.co/DP556YGCzC
— Pro Hockey Rumors (@prohockeyrumors) April 13, 2025

His current scoring pace is notably lower than what he managed in Seattle and would mark his least productive season since 2018-19 if stretched out over the full year. That said, it’s important to consider that his role with the Lightning has been more limited. He’s been used in more conservative situations, mainly in third-line minutes, and has seen an average ice time of just over 14 minutes per game. He’s had some time on the power play, but overall, he hasn’t been given the same offensive opportunities he had in Seattle.

The timing of this injury forces Tampa Bay to make quick adjustments. In response, the team recalled top prospect Conor Geekie from their AHL affiliate in Syracuse. This isn’t just a developmental opportunity, it’s a strategic move to fill a sudden hole in the lineup. To make room, the Lightning sent Cam Atkinson back to the AHL. With Bjorkstrand out, the team is expected to roll with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen in their matchup against the Buffalo Sabres.

Bjorkstrand’s absence only highlights a lingering issue Tampa Bay had before the trade deadline, secondary scoring. Losing him means more pressure falls on the shoulders of players like Yanni Gourde, Nick Paul, Conor Geekie, and Gage Goncalves to step up and provide offensive support behind the team’s top stars.

Although this injury complicates the Lightning’s playoff plans, it’s not the end of the road for Bjorkstrand with the team. He’s still under contract through next season with a $5.4 million cap hit. For now, Tampa will need to rely on their depth, their prospects, and their ability to adapt quickly—something they’ve done well in previous playoff runs.

Image Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

NHL

Oliver Bjorkstrand

Tampa Bay Lightning

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!