In a stunning move that’s sure to light up the Tampa Bay Lightning fan base, forward Brandon Hagel, who dazzled on the ice during the 2022-23 season, has inked a colossal eight-year contract extension. The Lightning made the grand announcement on Tuesday, revealing that the 24-year-old dynamo has secured a financial windfall to the tune of $52 million over the course of those eight years, translating to a cool $6.5 million annually.
This lucrative extension is set to kick into high gear at the start of the 2024-25 season. Until then, Hagel will be lacing up for the upcoming season under his current deal, which pays him a still respectable $1.5 million. If you do the math, that means we’ll be witnessing the ‘Hagel Show’ all the way through the 2031-32 campaign.
Brandon Hagel’s story is a tale of transition and triumph. Last season marked his inaugural full season with the Bolts, following a mid-season trade from the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2021-22 season. In Tampa Bay, Hagel was entrusted with a top-six role, and boy, did he make the most of it. He set the ice on fire with an impressive 30 goals, 34 assists, and a jaw-dropping 64 points. Those numbers, my friends, were not just career highs; they were career supernovas.
But let’s not just look at the surface stats. When we delve into the advanced metrics, we see that Hagel’s impact was far from skin-deep. When he graced the ice at five-on-five, the Lightning enjoyed a stellar plus-14 goal differential, and their expected goals share stood at an impressive 54.0%, as reported by the experts at Natural Stat Trick.
Now, with Hagel locked in for the foreseeable future, the Lightning’s core roster is shaping up to be a formidable force for years to come. The likes of Hagel, Nikita Kucherov, Anthony Cirelli, Nick Paul, Mikhail Sergachev, Erik Cernak, and Andrei Vasilevskiy are all committed to the team through at least the 2026-27 season. The future couldn’t look much brighter in the Sunshine State.
And as we bask in the glow of this exciting news, we can’t help but wonder what Lightning’s GM, Julien BriseBois, has up his sleeve as he looks to secure an extension for the beloved captain, Steven Stamkos, in the coming year.
In the world of sports, surprises can come from the most unexpected places, just like Hagel’s meteoric rise with the Lightning. One thing’s for sure, though: the Lightning fans are in for some electrifying hockey in the years to come! ⚡_xD83C__xDFD2_ #HagelExtends #BoltsBrightFuture
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Contract Extension
Q: How much is Brandon Hagel’s contract extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning worth?
A: Brandon Hagel’s contract extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning is worth a whopping $52 million over eight years, with an annual salary of $6.5 million.
Q: When does Brandon Hagel’s contract extension with the Lightning begin?
A: Hagel’s extension is set to kick in at the start of the 2024-25 NHL season. Until then, he will play out the upcoming season under his current contract, which pays him $1.5 million.
Q: What were Brandon Hagel’s statistics during the 2022-23 season?
A: In the 2022-23 season, Hagel had a stellar performance, achieving career highs with 30 goals, 34 assists, and 64 points. His impact extended beyond the surface stats, as his on-ice presence led to a plus-14 goal differential and a 54.0% expected goals share for the Lightning at five-on-five play.
Q: How does Brandon Hagel’s contract extension impact the Tampa Bay Lightning’s core roster?
A: With Hagel now locked in for the long term, the Lightning’s core roster is solidified with key players like Nikita Kucherov, Anthony Cirelli, Nick Paul, Mikhail Sergachev, Erik Cernak, and Andrei Vasilevskiy, all under contract through at least the 2026-27 season.
Q: What’s next for the Tampa Bay Lightning’s general manager, Julien BriseBois?
A: Julien BriseBois will now turn his attention to securing an extension for the team’s captain, Steven Stamkos, in the coming year, ensuring the Lightning’s continued success in the NHL.
More about Contract Extension
- Tampa Bay Lightning Official Website: For official updates and news on the Tampa Bay Lightning and Brandon Hagel’s contract extension.
- NHL.com: The official website of the National Hockey League, offering comprehensive coverage of NHL contracts, player statistics, and news.
- Natural Stat Trick: A valuable resource for advanced hockey statistics, including expected goals share and on-ice performance metrics.
- ESPN NHL: ESPN’s NHL section provides in-depth coverage of NHL contracts, player signings, and league news.
