Blackhawks trade Hagel to Tampa for 2 draft picks, forwards
When a franchise begins a rebuilding project it means no player is untouchable.
Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson made this clear when meeting with reporters at Fifth Third Arena two weeks ago - and he proved it Friday by trading do-it-all forward Brandon Hagel to Tampa Bay.
The Hawks received conditional first-round picks in 2023 and '24 as well as forwards Taylor Raddysh and Boris Katchouk. In addition to Hagel, the Lightning received the Hawks' fourth-round picks in 2022 and '24.
The 24-year-old Raddysh has 5 goals and 7 assists in 53 games this season, his first in the NHL. The 23-year-old Katchouk is also a rookie and has 2 goals and 4 assists in 38 games. Both are signed through the 2023-24 season and carry $758,333 cap hits.
"I said ... we are rebuilding, and this is clearly the start of that," Davidson said in a statement. "Getting two first-round draft picks as well as two young NHL players helps us kick-start that process in a major way.
"We know that Brandon Hagel was a fan favorite - our fans loved him for all the reasons we loved him - and we know he (will) be successful with the Lightning."
Tampa Bay's first-round picks are top-10 protected.
If the 2023 pick is in the top 10, the Lightning will transfer their own, unprotected first-round pick in 2025 to the Hawks. If both the 2023 and '24 picks are in the top 10, the Hawks receive the Lightning's unprotected first-round picks in 2025 and '26. If the 2023 pick is outside the top 10 but the 2024 pick is in the top 10, then Hawks get Tampa Bay's 2025 first-round pick.
"Those two first-round picks, we're hoping they're late first-round picks," said Lightning GM Julien BriseBois. "We know what the odds are of a late first-round pick turning into a good NHL player, and by trading them away today we're giving up on those odds of the player we would have selected ending up being key contributors for us ... four or five years from now. But instead, we're getting a sure things. We're getting a player who has already established himself in the NHL, he's 23 years old (and) we get the benefit of his current contract."
Hagel, whose deal carries just a $1.5 million cap hit through 2023-24, was second on the Hawks with 21 goals and he added 16 assists in 55 games. Thirteen of his goals came in the last 24 games, including 3 during an 8-5 win over New Jersey on February 25.
As much as the Hawks loved Hagel - to the point that Davidson even said "he's got a home here with us" on March 2 - that didn't stop the new GM from taking an offer he couldn't refuse.
"I don't necessarily subscribe to the untouchable theory because ... there's always a situation where you might get offered something that you can't turn down," Davidson said.
Hagel now joins the two-time defending champs, who are loading up for another deep playoff run. The Lightning are 39-15-6 and in second place in the Atlantic Division.
"Just want to thank the (Blackhawks) for a home the last 3 years," Hagel said in a tweet. "I made tons of friends, memories, and they treated me like the first class organization they are! That being said I can't wait to join the (Lightning)."
Vlasic will play
Coach Derek King said defenseman Alex Vlasic will make his NHL debut Saturday when the Hawks play at Minnesota. Vlasic, who signed a three-year deal Tuesday, was taken 43rd overall by the Hawks in 2019. He spent the last three seasons playing at Boston University.
"He was all smiles," King said. "I said, 'Don't screw it up because millions of people are going to be watching.' And then I skated away.
"I'm sure he'll be nervous. (We'll) keep him grounded; keep him relaxed. I'm looking forward to seeing him play."
King also said Kevin Lankinen will start in net against the Wild. Marc-Andre Fleury is slated to play Sunday against Winnipeg.