The Tampa Bay Lightning are rolling into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but now they've provided an unfortunate update on the talented Oliver Bjorkstrand.
After making some significant moves this summer, the Tampa Bay Lightning have rebounded after a few disappointing seasons, and after a big move at the trade deadline, hopes are high that they can get back to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 2022.
Their big move during the season was the move to land both Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand from the Seattle Kraken, and they gave up significant assets to be able to add both veterans to their forward group.
Unfortunately, the latest update on the latter isn't a good one, as it has been officially revealed by the team that Bjorkstrand is week-to-week with a lower-body injury, with the post-season just a week away from starting.
When asked about the injury, Head Coach Jon Cooper didn't seem too optimistic, but he did note that he hopes the team can get him back at some point in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, if they can get far enough.
"He's really grown into his role with us, and hopefully we'll have him back for playoffs at some point."
Since arriving in Tampa Bay, Bjorkstrand has posted a solid 5 goals and 9 points in 18 games played, and given that he played mostly in a bottom-six role, this is fairly solid production for a loaded top end that includes some of the NHL's top scorers.
With a potential matchup against the Florida Panthers looming, it's going to be tough for the Lightning to progress in the Stanley Cup Playoffs even at full strength, but if they can get through round one, even without Bjorkstrand, this is a team that's as good as any in the NHL.
