The 2026-27 NHL season is in its extremely early stages, but we've already gotten some nice impressions from some members of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
They've experienced production from new players, prospects looking to break through and even stars who needed to get back to form after injuries. Here are four Lightning players who have made strong early impressions.
Ilya Mikheyev
Stats: 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points
This was someone that most Lightning fans had to get to know upon signing as a free agent in July. He entered the season with 427 games played, but he's not someone who was a standout.
He was someone who could score up to 20 goals, and he's received Selke votes recently. Nothing was eye-popping, but he fit the bill. So far, he's fit into this system perfectly.
Mikheyev picked up his first goal and his first multi-point game of the season in the win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday. He assisted the lone goal scored by Nikita Kucherov in the season opener last week.
Those two-way abilities have shown through as well. He's blocked a couple of shots so far, and he made five hits in the win over Washington. Ok, you can see why he received Selke votes now. He's looking poised to provide the middle six a nice boost.
Conor Geekie
Stats: 1 goal, game-winner
He has one goal, but he made it count. Geekie scored the game-winning goal against the Washington Capitals on Saturday night. Along with the goal, he has tallied six hits so far, helping his team defensively.
Geekie impressed in the preseason, and now he's carrying that momentum into the regular season. It would be huge for the 2019 first-round pick to have that breakthrough season.
The transition to the NHL had been hard for him, and the Lightning were hoping that some time with Syracuse would help him refine his craft. So far, so good. It's early, but there are reasons to be hopeful that this year can be different.
Brayden Point
Stats: 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 points
In any other season, I wouldn't even highlight this point (no pun intended). This would be the same old, same old. As a matter of fact, there are other stars on the team who have done more out of the gate.
However, when adding that last season he faced injuries and was, in turn, less productive when seeing action, it's worth noting he's bouncing back early.
Point got the Lightning on the board early and set the tone for the win on Monday. He also picked up an assist on Kucherov's goal against the Rangers.
For good measure, he's blocked three shots. It's been a few seasons since he's consistently received Selke votes, but he can play defense, and it's starting to resurge after it wasn't as on display much last season.
It almost goes without saying what a healthy Point brings to the Lightning. He's had four seasons with at least 82 points and four seasons with at least 41 goals. Any time he hasn't reached the mark has either been when he's been dealt an injury or when there was a pandemic.
If he's ready to go, buckle up.
Victor Hedman
Stats: 8 blocked shots, 1 takeaway
Hedman hasn't made his way onto the score sheet, but in his new, reduced role, he's been effective.
Even with less ice time, he's showing that he's willing to get back out there and put his body back on the line. In his career, according to Hockey Reference, his 82-game average for blocked shots per season is 126. This current pace would give him 218.
Yes, it's an 84-game season now, but the previous season averages still provide a solid reference point.
He's healthy. He's playing. He's going all out. It's fantastic to see.
Add us as a preferred source on Google