The back-to-back champs made noise on Friday afternoon as they look to gear up for the NHL’s first potential “three-peat” since the 1980s New York Islanders.
Well, they got one step closer to replicating the electrifying line of Blake Coleman, Barclay Goodrow, and Yanni Gourde with this move. In a blockbuster trade, the Tampa Bay Lightning have acquired forward Brandon Hagel from the Chicago Blackhawks. Hagel, 23, is on an incredibly team-friendly contract for any contender, as he’s only making $1.5-million. Even better, he’s signed through the 2023-24 season, and the Bolts will retain his rights at the end of the deal, given he’s a restricted free agent (RFA).
The Lightning are also getting a bang for their buck, as Hagel is in the midst of a breakout season. He currently sits second on the team in goals with 21, with the only player above him being Alex DeBrincat (34). He’s also fourth on the Hawks in scoring with 37 points. Throughout his three-year, 108-game career, Hagel has 30 goals and 61 points.
Hagel was drafted in the sixth round (159th overall) in the 2016 entry draft by the Buffalo Sabres. He signed with the Blackhawks as a free agent before the 2018-19 season.
On the flip side, Chicago is getting back two first-rounders and two young roster players in Boris Katchouk and Taylor Raddysh. Both players are signed through the summer of 2024 and have RFA rights when their respective contracts expire.
Katchouk, 23, has two goals and six points in 38 games this season, while Raddysh, 24, has five goals and 12 points in 53 games.
