These 4 teams are reportedly pining over Brandon Hagel
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Pete FredericksFebruary 17, 2022 (2:38 PM)
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The emergence of Brandon Hagel is one of the few highlights in what has been a troublesome season for the Chicago Blackhawks.
The 23-year old Saskatoon native has 14 goals and 27 points in 43 games this season and is under contract through the '23-'24 season at a very team-friendly cap hit of just $1.5M. The Blackhawks are rebuilding and while names like Kubalik, de Haan and Fleury are almost certain to be on different teams before season's end, Hagel could easily be included in the group of players who are long for the next chapter.
At the same time, trading a player of Hagel's age and ability, with such a great contract could generate an excellent return of futures from another team. It's the old six to one, half dozen to the other: the Hawks want to hang on to Hagel for the same reasons other teams covet him, but they might have to trade him because the return is too good to refuse.
Word around the League this week is that the Hawks are not immediately saying 'no' to anything, listening to all offers on all players, including Hagel. According to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli they've had offers for him from at least four teams:
At least four teams are known to have engaged in conversation on Hagel: Florida, Toronto, New Jersey and Calgary. The Flames likely moved on to Toffoli; the Maple Leafs are focused on defense. But Hagel's contract and cost certainty is making teams drool. He is in first-round pick plus top prospect territory, which is understandable given the contract, his production and style of play.
-Frank Seravalli
Needless to say, Chicago is going to be the source of a lot of NHL News over the next month leading up to the March 21 NHL Trade Deadline.
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