5 Players who need to step up in 2023-24

Good morning. Exactly two-thirds of last week’s poll participants don’t have faith in the Calgary Flames making the playoffs this season, although one reader provided some grounded optimism:

We hope you’re right, Karsten, as the NHL could use another competitive Canadian club or two in addition to the Leafs and Oilers.

- Brandon Rubeo & Kevin Allen

Today’s Lineup:

• Five players who need to set up this season

• Auston Matthews becomes NHL’s highest paid player

• Oilers extend RFA Evan Bouchard

• Joonas Donskoi retires

• 👇 And a lot more…

5 Players Who Need to Step Up for Their Teams in 2023-24

Retirements. Playoff droughts. Goalie issues. Every NHL general manager spent the summer trying to solve problems.

As is often the case, several teams are looking to one player in particular to be a major part of their solution. Here are five players whose teams desperately need them to step up in 2023-24:

Goalie Joonas Korpisalo (Ottawa Senators): The Senators signed him because they believed he could give them stability in net. He performed impressively well for the Los Angeles Kings after they acquired him last season before the trade deadline. He boasted a 2.13 GAA and a .921 save percentage. But he only played 11 games for LA. His career GAA is 3.01 and his career NHL save percentage is .904.

Left wing Brandon Hagel (Tampa Bay Lightning): Tampa Bay GM Julien BriseBois recently gave Hagel an eight-year contract extension worth $52 million. Lucrative deals come with raised expectations. Hagel, 25, scored 30 goals last season for the first time and the Lightning expect him to make a habit of strong offensive seasons. They are an aging team in need of younger players to take on expanded roles.

Center Charlie Coyle (Boston Bruins): When centers Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retired this summer, the Bruins didn’t have the salary cap space to acquire replacements. They need other centers on the roster to step up, including more production out of Coyle. He’s been a consistent contributor. But at 31, he’s only had one 20-plus goal season. It’s the ideal time for another.

Goalie Devon Levi (Buffalo Sabres): The Sabres have missed the playoffs for 12 consecutive seasons. Devon Levi was nine the last time Buffalo was in a playoff series. He’s 21 today and Buffalo fans are hoping this talented rookie can rise up and be a difference-maker. It’s a lot to ask.

Right Wing Alex DeBrincat (Detroit Red Wings): DeBrincat is already a proven goal scorer. He is averaging 31.2 goals per season over his first six seasons. But does he have the ability to inspire increased scoring from his teammates? That’s what fans want to know. Can he help the Red Wings make the playoffs for the first time since 2016?

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