Tampa Bay Lightning: Four standout players from preseason so far

Apr 13, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Michael Eyssimont (23) is congratulated by center Ross Colton (79) after he scored a goal as Detroit Red Wings left wing Dominik Kubalik (81) looks on during the third period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 5

TORONTO, CANADA – APRIL 18: Michael Eyssimont #23 of the Tampa Bay Lightning waits for a puck drop against the Toronto Maple Leafs during Game One of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on April 18, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Lightning defeated the Maple Leafs 7-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Tampa Bay Lightning Preseason Standouts: Michael Eyssimont

Heading into the season, pairing Cirelli and new free agent Conor Sheary made sense. We figured Brandon Hagel would be the third forward on that group.

But at least through the first week of preseason action, Eyssimont has been that third forward and has excelled in the role.

Eyssimont leads the team in shot attempts and individual expected goals.

He also has two assists in his two games.

At 6’0″ and 180 pounds, he will potentially enter the 2023-24 season as the lightest player on Tampa’s roster. But after coming to the Tampa Bay Lightning at the trade deadline last season, Eyssimont has shown flashes of offensive upside that could lead to some big goals this season.

Home/Analysis