Tampa Bay Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli finished just short of his first 30-goal season in the NHL but is trending towards breaking the mark.

The 28-year-old enjoyed a career season, scoring 27 goals and 59 points in 80 games while also featuring on Team Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off roster, which won a gold medal. Throughout his career, Cirelli has been labelled as a defensive third-line center, and while his defensive game remains potent, finishing third in Selke Trophy voting, he's taken on a larger role as he's progressed and has become so much more.

The 2024-25 season witnessed Cirelli average 18:41 of ice time, another career high. He continued to be the driving force for a successful penalty kill, ranking sixth in the NHL and killing 81.6 percent of their penalties. 

The Etobicoke, Ont. native was also a prominent figure on the Lightning's second power play unit, recording three goals and seven points. 

Cirelli has been breaking down barriers since his junior career, and hasn't shown any signs of being unable to continue to shock people. The 2025-26 season could be Cirelli's best due to the Lightning's balanced top six.

The projected lineup shows Cirelli playing alongside Brandon Hagel and one of Oliver Bjorkstrand or Gage Goncalves. Any trio would do exactly what coach Jon Cooper would want from them, remaining defensively responsible, but also efficient scorers. 

Expecting Cirelli to score 40 goals or average a point per game is likely out of the question, but a stat line that is attainable is a 30-goal or 60-point campaign. He fell just short last season, but with roster improvements and the motivation to earn a spot on Team Canada's Olympic roster, Cirelli could eclipse both while being among the league's best two-way centers.

Lightning Star Nearing New Impressive Career Highs Anthony Cirelli took his offense to a new level last season when he set new career highs with 20 goals and 45 points in 79 games. However, he picked things up even further in 2024-25, and he is very close to having his best offensive season because of it.