General Manager Julien BriseBois believes the acquisition of forward Brandon Hagel from Chicago Blackhawks improves Tampa Bay Lightning's opportunity to three-peat as Stanley Cup Champions.
The Lightning, 17/2 to be crowned champions for a third season in a row, announced the addition of Hagel on Friday, in a deal which saw two first-round picks and forwards Boris Katchouk and Taylor Raddysh go the other way.
Hagel impressed with Blackhawks
Hagel signed with the Blackhawks in 2018 and was in his third season with the franchise. In 55 games this season, the Canadian winger scored a career-high 37 points (21 goals, 16 assists) in 55 games.
Over three seasons and 108 regular season games with Chicago, Hagel had 61 points (30 goals, 31 assists).
The winger has two seasons remaining on a three-year, $4.5million contract which he signed with the Blackhawks in August 2021.
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The Lightning (39-15-6) are second in the Atlantic Division having won their last two in a row.
BriseBois said of Hagel: "We're adding a 23-year-old player who is super competitive, can play in all situations, can play with all different types of players.
"We feel he not only improves our odds of winning a championship this season, but for the next two seasons because he's under contract for two more years and the terms of his contract are providing the club with really good value."
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