Michael Eyssimont Bio
Michael Eyssimont is an American professional ice hockey player who plays as a forward for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted in the fifth round, 142nd overall, by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2016 NHL entry draft. Eyssimont began his career in junior hockey with the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League and later played college hockey at St. Cloud State before turning professional in 2018.
Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing 201 pounds, Eyssimont is recognized for his work ethic, defensive responsibility, and willingness to play in all situations. After several seasons moving between the American Hockey League and NHL, he has become a dependable depth forward, contributing with his skating, forechecking, and penalty killing. In 2025, he helped the United States win a gold medal at the IIHF World Championship.
Early Life and Background
Michael Eyssimont was born on September 9, 1996, in Littleton, Colorado, to George and Nancy Eyssimont. He grew up in a supportive household in Colorado, where sports were a central part of family life. He has a twin sister named Anastasia, who competed in gymnastics as a youth before suffering a career-ending elbow injury.
Eyssimont first became interested in hockey after receiving a pair of rollerblades for his fifth birthday, which led him to play street hockey with neighborhood friends. He began playing organized ice hockey at the age of eight and continued playing roller hockey during the warmer months until he turned 13. He developed his skills in the Colorado youth hockey system, eventually playing for the Colorado Thunderbirds of the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League. During the 2012–13 season, Eyssimont led the entire league in scoring with 48 goals and 43 assists in 40 games, signaling his potential as a future professional.
Path to Hockey
After completing his time with the Colorado Thunderbirds, Eyssimont committed to play college ice hockey at St. Cloud State University while still in high school. He joined the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League for the 2013–14 season to gain experience at a higher level, scoring 14 goals and 30 points in 58 games. He continued to develop with the Force the following season, recording 17 goals and 36 points before being traded to the Sioux Falls Stampede in March 2015.
After the trade, Eyssimont added 13 points in 14 regular season games for the Stampede and then helped the team capture the 2015 Clark Cup, leading all players with 16 points in 19 postseason games. This championship marked his first major junior achievement. In 2015, Eyssimont joined the St. Cloud State Huskies for his freshman year and quickly made an impact by scoring his first NCAA Division I goal on October 31, 2015, against the Miami RedHawks. He was later named the National Collegiate Hockey Conference Rookie of the Month.
Michael Eyssimont Career
Early Career (2013–2018)
Eyssimont spent two seasons in the United States Hockey League, split between the Fargo Force and the Sioux Falls Stampede, where he developed the two-way style of play that would define his professional career. His trade to the Stampede in March 2015 proved to be a turning point, as he thrived in their system and helped them win the 2015 Clark Cup. His postseason performance demonstrated his ability to elevate his game in important moments.
At St. Cloud State, Eyssimont continued his steady development across three seasons of college hockey. After his freshman year, in which he scored the game-winning goal in the 2016 NCHC Tournament championship and was named tournament MVP, the Los Angeles Kings selected him 142nd overall in the 2016 NHL entry draft. He finished his collegiate career with 45 goals and 57 assists in 115 games, establishing himself as a reliable scoring forward at the NCAA level.
Los Angeles Kings Era (2018–2021)
Following the Huskies’ elimination from the 2018 NCAA tournament, Eyssimont signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings. He spent both seasons with the Ontario Reign, the Kings’ American Hockey League affiliate, recording 22 goals and 49 points in 122 games. On October 5, 2020, he signed a one-year contract extension with the Los Angeles organization, though he never appeared in an NHL game for the Kings before moving on as a free agent.
Winnipeg Jets Era (2021–2023)
On July 28, 2021, Eyssimont signed a two-year, two-way contract worth $1.5 million with the Winnipeg Jets. He began the 2021–22 season with the Manitoba Moose, the Jets’ AHL affiliate, where he scored 15 goals and 35 points in 35 games. His strong play earned him a brief NHL promotion on April 11, 2022, as a fill-in for the injured Blake Wheeler, though he was returned to the Moose shortly afterward. He returned to the NHL roster in November 2022, recording one goal and four assists in 19 games before being placed on waivers and claimed by the San Jose Sharks on January 6, 2023.
Tampa Bay Lightning Era (2023–2025)
On March 1, 2023, the Sharks traded Eyssimont to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Vladislav Namestnikov. He appeared in 22 regular season games for the Lightning and later recorded his first NHL playoff point on April 27, 2023, against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He spent the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons in Tampa Bay, recording 5 goals and 10 points in 57 regular season games during the 2024–25 season before being dealt in a three-team trade.
Seattle Kraken and Boston Bruins Era (2025–Present)
On March 5, 2025, Eyssimont was traded to the Seattle Kraken as part of a three-team deal that sent Oliver Bjorkstrand, Yanni Gourde, and draft picks to the Lightning, while Detroit retained a portion of Gourde’s salary. After concluding his contract with the Kraken, he signed a two-year, $2.9 million contract with the Boston Bruins on July 1, 2025, giving him long-term stability at the NHL level.
Driving Style and Strengths
Eyssimont is regarded as a reliable two-way forward who excels at forechecking, penalty killing, and providing energy in all three zones. His skating and physical play make him effective on the forecheck, while his hockey IQ allows him to make smart decisions in defensive situations. Coaches have consistently trusted him in bottom-six roles, where his work rate and responsibility stand out.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Eyssimont’s career highlights are his 2015 Clark Cup championship with the Sioux Falls Stampede, his 2016 NCHC Tournament championship with St. Cloud State, and his first NHL playoff point in 2023. Most significantly, he represented the United States at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, recording one goal and two assists in nine games while helping Team USA win their first gold medal since 1933.
Michael Eyssimont Career Wins
Michael Eyssimont’s career is highlighted by championships at every level he has competed. Beginning in junior hockey, he has steadily built a resume that includes a Clark Cup title, an NCHC Tournament championship, and an IIHF World Championship gold medal.
Championship Highlights
Eyssimont won the 2015 Clark Cup with the Sioux Falls Stampede, leading all skaters in playoff scoring with 16 points in 19 games. The following year, he helped St. Cloud State capture the 2016 NCHC Tournament, their first such title, and was named the tournament’s most valuable player. In 2025, he was part of the United States team that won the IIHF World Championship, ending a 92-year gold medal drought for the Americans.
Other Achievements
In addition to his championships, Eyssimont has been recognized with individual honors, including the NCHC Rookie of the Month award during the 2015–16 college season and the North Star College Cup MVP. He has consistently posted strong numbers at both the AHL and NHL levels, demonstrating durability and consistency throughout his professional career.
Michael Eyssimont Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Eyssimont was raised by his parents, George and Nancy Eyssimont, in Littleton, Colorado. His twin sister, Anastasia, was a competitive gymnast in her youth before an elbow injury ended her athletic career. The close bond with his family has been a defining influence on his approach to the game.
Personal Life
After being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease while attending St. Cloud State, Eyssimont adopted a gluten- and dairy-free diet and has since become involved with charity organizations supporting patients with the disease. His resilience in managing the condition has been a source of inspiration for many of his teammates and fans.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024–25 season marked a turning point in Eyssimont’s career, as he established himself as a reliable contributor at the NHL level. With the Tampa Bay Lightning, he recorded 5 goals and 10 points in 57 regular season games, playing primarily in a bottom-six role and on the penalty kill. His consistent play led to his inclusion in the three-team trade that sent him to the Seattle Kraken in March 2025.
After concluding his time in Seattle, Eyssimont entered free agency and signed a two-year, $2.9 million contract with the Boston Bruins on July 1, 2025. The deal represented his most significant NHL contract to date and signaled his arrival as an established NHL forward. He also represented the United States at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he helped Team USA capture gold.
Looking ahead, Eyssimont is expected to compete for a roster spot in Boston’s bottom six while providing leadership and energy. His combination of speed, defensive responsibility, and championship experience makes him a valuable addition to the Bruins as they look to build toward future playoff success.
