{"id":432335,"date":"2023-09-27T09:00:14","date_gmt":"2023-09-27T13:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=432335"},"modified":"2023-09-26T20:47:12","modified_gmt":"2023-09-27T00:47:12","slug":"dual-threat-forward-looking-impact-lightning-bottom-six","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/09\/27\/dual-threat-forward-looking-impact-lightning-bottom-six\/","title":{"rendered":"Dual-Threat Forward Looking to Impact Tampa Bay Lightning Bottom-Six"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a> shifted their depth around for the 2024 season. The organization lost seven of its ten oldest players from the 2023 roster. The team looks much younger. As this article provides, 27-year-old <\/span>Michael Eyssimont<\/a>‘s impact is vital to the Lightning’s bottom six this upcoming year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eyssimont Gearing Up for Full-Time Minutes<\/span><\/h2>\n

A career in the AHL seemed likely for Eyssimont until the 2022-23 season. Eyssimont split four seasons between the Manitoba Moose and Ontario Reign from 2019 to 2022. Then, Eyssimont earned the opportunity to play games for the Winnipeg Jets<\/a> last season. He recorded one goal and four assists for five points in 19 games.<\/span><\/p>\n

Path to the Lightning Organization<\/span><\/h3>\n

Unfortunately, Eyssimont was placed on waivers in January by Winnipeg. However, the San Jose Sharks<\/a> claimed him the following day. Eyssimont succeeded with the Sharks in his short stint with the organization, recording three goals and five assists in 20 games.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During the 2023 trade deadline, Eyssimont joined his third team of the season. The Lightning traded forward Vladislav Namestnikov<\/a> to the San Jose Sharks to acquire Eyssimont. He played 15 regular season games for Tampa Bay, recording two points. In addition, Eyssimont scored two points in three playoff games. Eyssimont can provide an enticing impact for the bottom six next season.<\/span><\/p>\n

High-Volume Shot-Taker<\/span><\/h3>\n

In a hockey game, shooting the puck is never wrong, even if better options are available. Eyssimont is a high-volume shot-taker at all strengths. He recorded 11.24 shots per hour last season, 21st-best amongst forwards (all strengths). During his time with the Lightning, he recorded 10.86 shots per 60, first among forwards.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Furthermore, Corey Sjanzder (<\/span>All Three Zones<\/span><\/a>) provides further insight into Eyssimont with the Sharks last season. In his tracked sample of games, his 17.88 shots per hour ranked seventh best in the entire league. Additionally, Eyssimont was in the company of elite shooters, including Auston Matthews<\/a>, David Pastrnak<\/a>, and Cole Caufield<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

While Eyssimont is not an efficient shooter, his play style aligns with the system of Head Coach Jon Cooper. The Lightning frequently toss pucks on the net. Moreover, Eyssimont can throw his weight around and absorb checks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Forechecking Workhorse<\/span><\/h3>\n

Another asset of Eyssimont is his ability to create pressure against opposing defencemen. After creating turnovers, Eyssimont uses his body position effectively to create separation to maintain possession of the puck. From there, he can fire a shot, pass the puck to the point, or continue the cycle down low. Eyssimont recorded 19.51 shots off the forecheck and cycle per 60 last season, the 10th-best in the entire league. While the standard fourth line consists of forecheckers, Eyssimont offers a dual-threat package to his game. Below are clips from Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Michael Eyssimont (TB23) made the most of his return to the lineup in the Bolts' 4-2 Game 5 win.<\/p>\n

He scored a goal and an assist with an 85% xGF% at 5v5 while being active on the forecheck.<\/p>\n

Here are his most notable plays and puck touches from last night. #NHLPotN<\/a> #GoBolts<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/i1bMcxbDr8<\/a><\/p>\n

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) April 28, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n