Bolts by the Bay
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Breaking Down the 5 Bolts Who Need to Step Up Most in the 2022-23 Season

By Garrett Morgan

TORONTO, ON - MAY 10 : Mikhail Sergachev #98 of the Tampa Bay Lightning fires a puck up ice against the Toronto Maple Leafs during Game Five of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 10, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Lightning 4-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 10 : Mikhail Sergachev #98 of the Tampa Bay Lightning fires a puck up ice against the Toronto Maple Leafs during Game Five of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 10, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Lightning 4-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty images) /
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Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Nick Paul

Following a huge postseason last playoffs, Paul was rewarded this offseason with a seven-year $22.05 million extension keeping him in Tampa for the foreseeable future. Now that he showed his ability and big-game prowess, Paul will be called upon to be a high-output player on offense as well as a physical presence on the defensive side.

Paul was acquired the day before the trade deadline last year from Ottawa in exchange for Mathieu Joseph and a 2024 4th round pick and was an instant spark for the Bolts. In 44 total games last year for the Lightning, he put up 23 points, including five playoff goals, two of which coming in game 7 of the first round against Toronto on the road.

With the departure of winger Ondrej Palat to New Jersey this offseason, Paul is going to have to continue his offensive production and show that he is worth the money, as he will be a key piece in hopes of a return to the Stanley Cup Final.

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