Dom Luszczyszyn recently published an article ranking the top 10 best contract deals in the NHL. Although no current Chicago Blackhawks players made the list, a notable former Blackhawks player did. Brandon Hagel, formerly of the Blackhawks, secured the second spot on Luszczyszyn’s rankings, with only New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes placed above him.
Hagel is now in the second year of his eight-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, carrying a $6.5 million cap hit. His first year under this deal was not particularly impressive, but he has since improved significantly. During the current season, Hagel set new career highs with 35 goals, 55 assists, and 90 points in 82 games for the Lightning, building on the 49 assists and 75 points he tallied last season.
Since extending his contract in the 2023 NHL offseason, Hagel’s performance has only gotten better, which explains Luszczyszyn’s high ranking. After being traded from the Blackhawks, Hagel has flourished into a key player for the Lightning and has become central to their core lineup. In 108 games against his former team, he logged 30 goals, 31 assists, and 61 points before his trade in the 2021-22 season.
Meanwhile, Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic secured a permanent spot on the team’s NHL roster during the 2023-24 season. Standing 6-foot-6, Vlasic played 76 games, recording two goals, 14 assists, 16 points, and 56 hits. The 2019 second-round draft pick has shown he possesses the potential to be a reliable defensive presence in the NHL.
Fan Take: This update highlights how trades and contract decisions can dramatically shape the trajectories of players and teams. For hockey fans, it’s exciting to see former Blackhawks like Hagel shine elsewhere, underscoring the unpredictable and dynamic nature of the sport’s talent development.
