Will the Blackhawks trade Hagel? His coach wouldn't
Blackhawks forward Brandon Hagel is apparently drawing immense interest from at least a few general managers around the league.
Frank Seravalli, the President of Hockey Content at Daily Faceoff, has reported the Hawks have been offered a top prospect and a first-round pick for the do-it-all 23-year-old.
Derek King minced no words when the subject came up after practice Monday at Fifth Third Arena.
"He better not be (traded)," the Hawks' interim coach said. "Haygs has got to stay here. I mean, that's me. You've got to do what's right for the organization (and) what's right for the team.
"But Hagel's a big part of this organization. He's a good hockey player that you'd want to keep on your team."
Hagel's seen the reports and is shocked at what he might bring in return.
"Seeing what they want for me, I mean you've got to take it as a compliment, no?" Hagel said. "C'mon, I was a sixth-rounder (and) just brought in as a 20-year-old."
Hagel has built on his rookie season (9G, 15A in 52 games) by scoring 14 goals and dishing out 13 assists in 46 games for one of the lowest-scoring teams in the NHL. That's a 23-goal pace for someone who carries a minuscule $1.5 million cap hit through next season. Not only that, but Hagel will be only a restricted free agent when 2024-25 rolls around.
In addition to his offensive abilities, Hagel plays impressive defense, has worked his butt off to get to this point and truly understands the game.
In the bigger picture, Hagel's trying not to worry about whether or not he's moved by the March 21 deadline.
"It's business," he said. "I can't change what happens; I can't change what people are gonna offer. ... I just keep playing. If it happens, it happens; if it doesn't, it doesn't.
"I mean, I love Chicago. I want to be here for a really long time."
Toews update:
Jonathan Toews was on the ice before the Hawks practiced at Fifth Third Arena on Monday but did not join his teammates for the longer-than-usual session. Toews has missed eight straight games while in concussion protocol.
Interim coach Derek King expects his captain to join the team for practice Wednesday as they prepare to host New Jersey on Friday.
"He felt better yesterday and then I got a report from (the trainer) of, 'Let's not push it,'" King said. "Today we did a little work day. We needed to get back into battles. ... I'm almost positive he'll be back at practice with us (Wednesday)."