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Michael Eyssimont Extension Implies Great Future Impact for Tampa Bay Lightning

By Alfred Ezman

Apr 11, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA;Tampa Bay Lightning center Michael Eyssimont (23) skates with the puck as Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) defends during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA;Tampa Bay Lightning center Michael Eyssimont (23) skates with the puck as Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) defends during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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On May 5th, the Tampa Bay Lightning signed center Michael Eyssimont to a two-year, $800K extension. This deal came after he was received by the team in a trade with the San Jose Sharks.

This season, Eyssimont had 15 points (5 goals and 10 assists) in 54 games. He even added a goal and an assist in the first round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Because of the extension being the first order of business in the offseason, it can be said that the Lightning view Eyssimont as a good piece to their future going forward. He can provide a lot to a team coming off the bench and can do so for some time at 26 years old.

He even had chemistry with his teammate and fellow Lightning player Ross Colton before even coming to Tampa Bay. He spoke about their relationship in an interview with The Block Party

” We actually clicked quite a bit when we were younger so we stayed in touch through college and through the pros…I’ve always been a fan of his.”

This already created chemistry helps a less experienced player like Eyssimont. Should Colton re-sign this offseason as well, he can provide a lot of additional insight to Eyssimont as far as being part of the winning culture of the team as he was a part of a Stanley Cup championship back in 2021.

When it comes to team chemistry, the Colorado native is all about creating it as a well-rounded NHL center should. He is great at exposing holes in the defense while the Bolts are in the offensive zone and is also incredible at finding wingers on the outlets in transition.

He also is a crafty skater and very quick and agile. He does a great job at keeping his body low to the ground to angle his way around defenders to get shots on net or open up opportunities for his teammates. He almost models himself after a player like Brayden Point as they have similar size and speed.

The Lightning have a lot of leverage when it comes to working Eyssimont into their team’s set-up for the future. Granted, he may not start on the first line with Point and Steven Stamkos still at the center position. But he does make for a great presence further down the Lightning lineup.

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