Analysis: Detroit Signs Robert Hagg for One Year

The Detroit Red Wings have signed veteran defenseman Robert Hagg to a one-year one-way contract for next season. Hagg will earn $800,000 and again be eligible to become a UFA next summer. Hagg has seven years of NHL experience and should provide depth at the defense position next season.

Who is Robert Hagg?

Robert Hagg is a Swedish-born defenseman who was initially drafted 41st overall by Philadelphia in 2013. Hagg played in the MODO organization before he came to North America to play in the Flyers organization.

Hagg made his NHL debut playing one game during the 2016-2017 season. Hagg has been an NHL regular since the 2017-2018 season. In 300 NHL regular season games, he has scored 14 goals, 42 assists, 56 points, and has a +4 rating. In 14 playoff games covering two seasons, Hagg has chipped in with three assists and has a +2 rating.

Hagg’s best season occurred during the 2018-2019 season when he picked up 20 points in a season when he played all 82 games. Last season, Hagg split the year between Buffalo and Florida, scoring one goal, eight assists, nine points, and had a -9 rating in 64 games.

How Does Hagg Fit in with Detroit?

Robert Hagg will fit in nicely with Detroit’s offensively oriented defensemen. He can play strong defensively and has an affinity for blocking shots, particularly during the penalty kill. His physical presence will make it difficult for teams when the puck is in Detroit’s end of the ice.

Detroit has added Ben Chiarot, Olli Maatta, Mark Pysyk, and Steven Kampfer during this free agency period. Adding Hagg provides Detroit with the depth required for a long season and, hopefully, a playoff run.

Pysyk recently had surgery for an Achilles tendon, which will likely require 4-6 months to heal. As a result, the Red Wings acted fast. They solidified a position that general manager Steve Yzerman believes is necessary if a team wants to challenge for a playoff spot next year.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=u7DneN_61Lc
Robert Hagg Highlights

Detroit’s New Defense Pairings

Detroit will have three new left-shot defensemen on the opening night roster against Montreal. With Jake Walman and Mark Pysyk starting the year on the IR, Detroit’s defense to start the season will look very different compared to the defense that finished last season.

Ben Chiarot will likely play on the top pairing with last year’s Calder Memorial Trophy winner Moritz Seider. Olli Maatta will likely start the year paired with Filip Hronek. Newly acquired Robert Hagg will probably play on the third pair with Gustav Lindstrom. The extras will likely be returnee Jordan Oesterle and KHL veteran Steven Kampfer.

Final Thoughts

Detroit’s defense will look a lot different entering next season. With the additions of Chiarot, Maatta, Hagg, Kampfer, and later in the season, Pysyk will provide a much-improved defense group compared to one year ago.

Steve Yzerman has always built teams from the defense out. Big mobile, defensively responsible defensemen will assist the goaltending duo of Alex Nedeljkovic and Ville Husso in allowing not only fewer shots but also fewer goals against compared to last season.

Adding several forwards will also provide more depth at the forward position. This team is built to compete every night and should push for a playoff spot. The addition of Hagg was needed because of two significant injuries that need time to heal. It should be fun to watch the Big Swede (Robert Hagg) play for the Red Wings next season.


Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Chris Giles

Chris Giles is a former junior hockey player and coach from Canada. He has been a diehard Detroit Red Wings fan for almost 50 years. Chris is an avid golfer who has volunteered at several PGA and Canadian Open Championships throughout North America.

Leave a Reply

Sam Bennett accepting the Conn Smythe Trophy.

The Florida Panthers Extend Sam Bennett

He said it himself at E11even, he wasn’t leaving. One of the biggest free agents is now off the market and locked up long term as the Florida Panthers announced Friday night ahead of the draft that he’d been extended. Bennett’s been a huge part of Florida’s success in the postseason en route to back-to-back […]

Read More

Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood Traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired right-shot centre Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick (77th overall) and a conditional 2027 second-round pick, alongside prospect Gavin Brindley. The conditions of the 2027 second-round pick are that the pick will be the lower of Columbus’ second-round picks […]

Read More
Detroit Red Wings Linked to New York Islanders Defenseman

Noah Dobson traded to the Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens have acquired defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders for Emil Heineman and both the 16th and 17th overall picks in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Chris Johnston of The Athletic confirms the deal is a sign-and-trade as Dobson signs an eight-year contract worth $9.5 million annually. It will be interesting […]

Read More