Bolts by the Bay
Fansided

Tampa Bay Lightning: Four standout players from preseason so far

ByBenjamin Henderson|
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
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
3 of 5
Tampa Bay Lightning
Finland’s forward Marko Anttila (L), Finland’s forward Hannes Bjorninen and Finland’s forward Waltteri Merela celebrate Finland’s sixth goal during the IIHF Ice Hockey Men’s World Championships Preliminary Round – Group A match between Hungary and Finland in Tampere, Finland, on May 19, 2023. (Photo by Vesa Moilanen / Lehtikuva / AFP) / Finland OUT (Photo by VESA MOILANEN/Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Lightning Preseason Standouts: Waltteri Merela

We highlighted Merela last week as a potential hidden gem for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2023-24.

The 6’2″ and 196-pound center from Finland had two productive seasons with Tappara in the Liiga in Finland, scoring 33 points last season in 41 games.

So far in the preseason, Jon Cooper has played Merela all over the ice, and the 25-year-old has impressed. Merela has two goals and one assist thus far in the preseason.

Perhaps most telling of what Cooper thinks of Merela and why some paying attention believe he has a real shot of making the cut for the Bolts is at the end of their game against Nashville on Saturday when the Lightning were hanging on to a one-goal lead as the Predators pulled their goalie, Cooper sent Merela out there to help hold the fort down.

Home/Analysis