After Nikita Kucherov threw a shot on net, Gourde’s rebound attempt was stopped by Buffalo netminder Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

But a second rebound came right out to Bjorkstrand, who buried the puck into the back of the net.

Tampa Bay sent Seattle first-rounders in 2026 and 2027, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ second-round pick in 2025 and forward Michael Eyssimont in exchange for the two forwards on Wednesday.

Eyssimont also impressed in his Kraken debut on Thursday, scoring a goal of his own during his first games with Seattle.

His sixth of the season came late in the third period of a 5-3 loss to the Nashville Predators.

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 plateau in both 2022-23 and 2023-24. The longtime Columbus Blue Jacket has found the back of the net 20 times or more in six of the last seven campaigns.

With a win over the Sabres, the Lightning would move within one point of the Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers, who are tied for first in the Atlantic Division.