Chicago Blackhawks trade Brandon Hagel for Tampa Bay Lightning

The Chicago Blackhawks are trading left wing Brandon Hagel, along with two fourth-round picks, to the Tampa Bay Lightning for several first-round picks, Taylor Raddysh and Boris Katchouk, according to Frank Seravalli.

Complete trade, according to sources @DailyFaceoff:

For #GoBolts: Brandon Hagel, two 4th round picks
For #Blackhawks: Two 1st round picks, Taylor Raddysh, Boris Katchouk

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 18, 2022

Hagel has been the subject of trade rumors for a few months now as the trade deadline nears, and with days to go, it’s finally happened. He currently ranks sixth on Frank Seravalli’s list of trade targets and is a hot commodity due to his two-way play, drawing comparisons to the type of forwards Tampa Bay brought in 2020 to Deadline with Blake. Coleman and Barclay Goodrow.

Although the style of play is the first thing that draws this comparison, another big reason is his contract. Like Coleman and Goodrow, he’s coming in at a really cheap cap with several years left on the deal, something very valuable to cap contenders. Hagel is currently in the first season of a three-year, $1.5 million cap.

Despite his reputation, Hagel also packs an offensive punch, having 21 goals and 37 points this year in 55 games. It’s already a career high for the striker, but even though it’s an anomaly, he has solid defensive play that’s well worth the contract.

Raddysh and Katchouk are both former second-round picks for the Lightning, drafted in 2016. Both are currently in their rookie seasons, with Katchouk scoring two goals and six points in 38 games, and Raddysh having five goals and 12 points. in 53 games.

Tampa Bay’s first-round picks are in 2023 and 2024.