The Lightning will lean more heavily on this center during the new campaign.
As is the case for most teams around the NHL, the Tampa Bay Lightning are entering another season with a different-looking roster. Head coach Jon Cooper will hope that he has the proper personnel to make another run to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. For the start of the 2024-25 season, the Lightning will have a mix of veterans and new faces on the ice.
One of the veterans set to take the ice for another season in Tampa Bay is 27-year-old Anthony Cirelli. The veteran center is entering his eighth season and will be more relied on as a key component for the Bolts. Cirelli should receive more significant playing time after the Lightning lost productive forwards Anthony Duclair and Steven Stamkos this off-season.
Cirelli had his best scoring season yet in 2023-24, setting new career highs with 20 goals and 45 points. The confidence in his game clearly showed, as he also logged a career-high in ice time. Despite taking another big step in his career development last season, the Ontario native will likely start the season on the second line alongside forwards Brandon Hagel and Mitchell Chaffee.
Cirelli should also be in contention for the Selke Trophy as one of the top defensive forwards in the NHL. His strong defensive play could also allow him to receive chances on the club's first line with Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point.
The Lightning will need the high caliber of Cirelli's defensive play as they are still attempting to navigate the murky waters of their defensive journey and the treacherous season that lies ahead of them.
