The Tampa Bay Lightning and General Manager Julien Brisebois have announced a large eight-year contract extension as Brandon Hagel re-signs.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced that left winger Brandon Hagel re-signs with the club. General Manager Julien Brisebois made the announcement today that Hagel has signed an eight-year extension, with an average annual salary of $6.5 million. The contract sees Hagel signed through the 2031-32 campaign. This contract is a testament to Hagel’s work ethic and is well-deserved.
EIGHT 👏 MORE 👏 YEARS 👏
We’ve signed forward Brandon Hagel to an eight-year contract extension worth an AAV of $6.5 million.
📝: https://t.co/rBHDnqHmQS pic.twitter.com/DKdqixKTcA
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) August 22, 2023
Brandon Hagel Re-signs An Eight-year Extension With The Tampa Bay Lightning
The Saskatoon native is coming off his first career 30-goal season. At 24 years old, he could well put together many more of them. Thus far, in four NHL campaigns, he has split time between the Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay. Over that time, Hagel has amassed 64 goals, 68 assists, and 132 points over 211 games. He is an extremely reliable forward, evidenced by his takeaway, giveaway differential. Last year, he was a plus 44 in that regard (92 takeaways and 48 giveaways). Also, he had the best CF% Rel of his career at 3.3. Even though he may fly under the radar, Hagel’s 2022-23, and suspected subsequent career trajectory is well worth the investment.
What Does This Mean For The Tampa Bay Lightning
For the Tampa Bay Lightning, it is business as usual for the perennial cup contenders. It does demand the question, when will their window begin to close? According to Capfriendly.com, they currently sit at nearly $7 million over the cap limit. Now, it is nothing to panic about, as this is likely allotted to Brent Seabrook on LTIR at $6.875 million. However, they are at the cap limit best-case scenario. So, assuming the current roster plays and performs, then everything should be smooth. Moreover, the Lightning have a couple of things working with them. For starters, the salary cap is anticipated to go up over the next couple of NHL seasons. Next, they have several key roster pieces locked up for an extended period and kudos to Brisebois for his diligence. Brayden Point, Anthony Cirelli, Nick Paul, Mikhail Sergachev, and Erik Cernak are all under contract until 2029-30 or beyond.
Main photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
