METTLE, MERIT AND $52 MILLION

Hagel made it to the NHL the old-fashioned way: he earned it. And now that he’s locked in with the Lightning, he’s intent on showing his worth

BY IAN KENNEDY

BRANDON HAGEL’S entire career has been a “prove it” moment. From minor hockey to the NHL, every time a coach or team overlooked Hagel, he responded, proved himself, and earned a new opportunity. And despite the fact the Tampa Bay Lightning left winger recently signed an eight-year contract extension worth $52 million, Hagel still sees himself as a player with something to prove. For Hagel, the feeling began in his under-15 season. After putting up strong numbers with the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers, Hagel was not among the 222 players picked in the WHL’s bantam draft, which that year included future NHLers such as Nolan Patrick, Kailer Yamamoto and Dillon Dube. “It’s everyone’s dream to get drafted,” Hagel said. “You’re so young. It’s the first thing you look forward to that didn’t…

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The Hockey News (Digital) - 1 Issue, World Juniors Special 2024

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