Anthony Cirelli has received some praise.
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli has been a very important part of the team's roster for a while.
Now, Cirelli has received some praise because of it.
The Hockey News' Adam Proteau recently ranked Cirelli as the 70th-best player in the NHL in his top 80 player rankings.
"Generally regarded as one of the game's top defense-minded players, Cirelli is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, and a core component for the Lightning," Proteau wrote. "But the 29-year-old has steadily improved his offensive totals, scoring at least 20 goals and 45 points in each of the past three seasons."
"But Cirelli is ranked this high because of his superior defensive instincts," Proteau added. "He's been a finalist for the Frank J. Selke Trophy the past two seasons, and sooner or later, he's bound to win one."
Given how well Cirelli has played for the Lightning, it makes a ton of sense that he has been ranked among the best players in hockey. He is an incredibly smart two-way center and a big part of Tampa Bay's roster because of it.
Cirelli appeared in 71 games last season for Tampa Bay, where he posted 23 goals, 52 points, and a plus-38 rating. This was after he had 27 goals, 59 points, and a plus-30 rating in 80 games for the Bolts during the 2024-25. It will now be interesting to see what he can do for the Lightning this season from here.
