Lightning’s Mitchell Chaffee excels in transition play early

Through the first seven games of the season, Chaffee has a goal and two assists for three points, putting him on pace for 35 points. Furthermore, he even got minutes on the second line right wing alongside Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli, but the Lightning have chosen to put players like Nick Paul and Conor Geekie in that spot. The difference in Chaffee’s game compared to last season is his improved speed and ability to handle the puck. The 26-year-old is confident on the puck in transition and the microstats back this up.

Microstats point to Chaffee as an effective puck carrier for Tampa Bay

For some background, I plan to manually track the Lightning’s microstats during the 2024-25 season. This data set will include data points such as passes, zone entries, and additional statistics that the NHL does not cover. I will continue to share my findings throughout the season, so stay tuned for updates.

One of the main aspects of the game I want to emphasize this season while covering the Lightning is zone entries and exits, also known as “transition” loosely. Teams that can quickly and efficiently transition up and down the ice are much more effective in the modern NHL, where we see many goals scored with passing plays. So where does Chaffee fit into all of this?

I’ve covered two full five-on-five games for the Lightning this season (Oct. 11 and Oct. 15), and Chaffee has been impressive in transition. In 21 minutes of five-on-five ice time, Chaffee had four zone tackles, which is tied for fifth among Lightning forwards. In other words, Chaffee is the most dominant player among the Lightning’s bottom six in terms of zone tackles. Additionally, he controlled 40% of his zone entries, compared to last season where he controlled only 30%.

However, Chaffee has been even better in leaving the area for Tampa Bay. He has arguably been the Lightning’s best breakaway forward this season. Chaffee ranks second only to transition wizard Brayden Point in controlled zone exits, with five in the first two games tracked. Additionally, he is tied for first among Lightning forwards in zone exit assists with three, which is the first pass on a Lightning breakout that successfully takes them out of the defensive zone.

Moving through Chaffee

Ultimately, Chaffee will continue to exceed expectations as an undrafted player in the National Hockey League. The Lightning hired him for a profitable two-year deal He was worth $800,000 annually in May, and the contract looks like a bargain given these transition figures. Chaffee is a potential third-line staple for the Lightning soon, and his contributions so far this season have been solid. The Lightning return to action Saturday night (Oct. 26) against the Washington Capitals at Amalie Arena, who are off to a red-hot start to the season.