Lightning’s Bjorkstrand Out Week-to-Week With Lower-Body Injury
TAMPA, fla. – Tampa Bay Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand is sidelined week-to-week with a lower-body injury and is unlikely to be available at the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The injury occurred during Friday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Detroit red Wings.
Bjorkstrand’s impact and Acquisition
Bjorkstrand, 29, acquired from the Seattle Kraken before the NHL trade deadline in exchange for forward michael Eyssimont, two conditional first-round picks (2026, 2027 NHL Draft) and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, has quickly become a valuable asset for the lightning. In 18 games with Tampa Bay,he has tallied four goals and five assists. His season totals stand at 46 points (21 goals, 25 assists).
Coach Cooper’s Comments and Team Outlook
“It’s tough because he’s really grown into his role with us, and hopefully we’ll have him back for the playoffs at some point,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. Tampa Bay currently sits second in the Atlantic Division, four points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs. They are tied with the Florida Panthers but hold the first tiebreaker with two more regulation wins (39/37).
Geekie recalled From AHL
In a corresponding move, forward Conor Geekie has been recalled from the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League (AHL). Geekie,the No. 11 pick by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2022 NHL Draft. In 49 games with the Lightning this season he has 12 points (six goals, six assists). Geekie has 20 points (11 goals, nine assists) in 24 AHL games this season.
Cooper on Geekie’s Recall
“He’s excelled down ther,” Cooper said. “The bottom line is when you start getting injuries,it’s great to have somebody of his talent level to be able to bring back up.”
The Lightning will host the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday.
What is the significance of the conditional first-round picks included in the trade for Bjorkstrand?
Lightning’s Bjorkstrand Injury: Your FAQs Answered
This Q&A provides additional insights into the recent injury of Tampa Bay Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand.
Q&A
Q: What exactly happened to Oliver Bjorkstrand?
A: Bjorkstrand sustained a lower-body injury during the Lightning’s overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Friday. The specific nature of the injury hasn’t been disclosed.
Q: How long will Bjorkstrand be out?
A: He’s listed as week-to-week, meaning he’s unlikely to return at the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Q: What impact will Bjorkstrand’s absence have on the Lightning?
A: Bjorkstrand was a valuable addition. He’s tallied 4 goals and 5 assists in 18 games as joining the team, bringing his season total to 46 points. His absence will be felt, especially in the offensive zone.
Q: Who did the Lightning trade to get Bjorkstrand?
A: The Lightning acquired bjorkstrand from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for Michael Eyssimont, two conditional first-round picks (2026, 2027 NHL Draft), and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Q: Who has been called up to replace Bjorkstrand?
A: Conor Geekie has been recalled from the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League (AHL). He was the No. 11 pick by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Q: How has Conor Geekie performed this season?
A: Geekie has 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 49 games with the Lightning.In the AHL, he has 20 points (11 goals, nine assists) in 24 games.
Q: Where do the Lightning stand in the standings?
A: They currently sit second in the atlantic Division, four points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs. They are tied with the Florida Panthers but hold the first tiebreaker.
Q: Who are the Lightning playing next?
A: The Lightning will host the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday.
Q: What does “week-to-week” really mean in the NHL?
A: Its a general term. It suggests the injury isn’t season-ending but also not a quick fix. Teams ofen use this to avoid revealing too much about the injury to their opponents.
Q: Can Bjorkstrand still play in the playoffs?
A: Perhaps, depending on his recovery. The article says he’s unlikely to be available *at the start* of the playoffs, but a return later in the playoffs is absolutely possible.
Actionable Advice: Keep an eye on the Lightning’s performance in the upcoming games and the impact of Geekie, as they navigate Bjorkstrand’s absence.
Stay tuned for updates on Bjorkstrand’s recovery and the Lightning’s playoff push!
