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Tampa Bay Lightning: Four standout players from preseason so far

By Benjamin 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 /
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Tampa Bay Lightning
Sep 27, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning forward Austin Watson (51) during the second period against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Tampa Bay Lightning Preseason Standouts: Austin Watson

For a nine-year veteran of the NHL, Austin Watson has approached the preseason like a man with something to prove.

And to be fair, he does because he is with Tampa in camp on a professional tryout contract.

He’s been extremely active in his two appearances thus far in the preseason, both against Nashville. In the first meeting last week, Watson logged just 7 minutes of 5 v 5 ice time (12 minutes overall) but still managed two hits during even-strength play. He also generated five scoring chances that night and got into a fight.

In the second matchup on Saturday, Watson scored a goal. He is third on the team in 5 v 5 shot attempts and leads the team in high-danger chances despite logging 10 fewer minutes of even-strength ice time than some other notable forwards jockeying for position on this team.

The injury to Andrei Vasilevskiy helps Watson’s chances of making the team, ironically enough. With $9.5 million freed up in LTIR cap space, the Tampa Bay Lightning could opt to keep 23 players for now until Vasilevskiy comes back.

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