Blackhawks And Lightning Complete Blockbuster

The Chicago Blackhawks have traded Brandon Hagel, a 2022 fourth-round pick, and 2024 fourth-round pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning for their 2023 and 2024 first-round picks, Taylor Raddysh, and Boris Katchouk.

This is a perfect addition for the Lightning. Hagel plays a very similar style to former Lightning players Blake Coleman and Barclay Goodrow, yet also has shown this season that he can score even more than them. In 55 games this campaign, the 23-year-old winger has 21 goals and 16 assists.

Hagel also has an extremely affordable contract, as he only has a $1.5 million cap hit and is under contract until the completion of the 2023-24 season. Thus, he will be far more than a rental for Tampa Bay.

The Blackhawks are kicking off their rebuild in a big way, as they have landed multiple first-round picks for the 23-year-old. This certainly will help build their prospect pool, but Hagel also could have been a big part of their future core. However, Chicago has opted to go for draft picks and two other young forwards instead, so the reigning back-to-back Stanley Cup champs have made their roster even better.