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

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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(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

5. Brandon Hagel

The final impact player on my list is none other than Brandon Hagel. Hagel, who was acquired from Chicago just before the deadline last season, was another guy who was a key piece to the Bolts run to the Cup Final last year. Like Paul, he will be called upon to provide a good amount of offensive output this year and generate chances on the offensive end.

In 45 total games last year for the Bolts, Hagel recorded 13 points, six of which came in the playoffs. He is a guy who gives you consistency game in and game out and can provide a spark offensively, as well as through a big hit or fight every now and then. For Hagel, this season is going to be a big opportunity to become an even bigger part of a championship caliber team and prove that he is a good NHL forward.

Playing on a line with Nick Paul and Anthony Cirelli, Hagel has a lot of chances to rack up assists and generate high-scoring chances in front of the net. Look for him to give the Bolts a lot of that and hopefully even more this year.

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