Carl Hagelin retires from the NHL.
Carl Hagelin, the speedy Swedish winger announced his retirement from the NHL at 35 years old on August 30, 2023. His exit marks a sign of the times.
Following a severe eye injury and a hip resurfacing surgery among other repairs, Hagelin announced his retirement on social media.
Hagelin was drafted a Ranger 168th overall in the 2007 NHL draft.
On April 9th, 2011, The Michigan Wolverines lost the National title game in overtime to Minnesota Duluth, and immediately after Hagelin signed a professional contract to play for the Connecticut Whale.
“Swagelin” would go on to skate in 339 (regular season and post-season combined) as a Ranger, potting 12 goals in the Ranger's three deep runs from 2012 to 2015. He was a fan favorite, and a vital piece to the team that proved to be irreplaceable.
Traded to the Anaheim Ducks and the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2015, Hagelin would unite with Nick Bonino and Phil Kessel creating the “ HBK Line”. Their bombastic chemistry propelled the Penguins to a Stanley Cup championship.
The following post-season he struggled to produce to the same level. Albeit, he used his speed to ice a 1-0 game delivering the Penguins a second title in as many years. Hagelin then bounced around to Los Angeles, and Washington before retiring.
His retirement exemplifies the times. Former fan favorites from the Rangers contending years a decade ago are aging. Hagelin has retired. Brassard has adapted to become a journeyman. Zuccarello is 35 and even Kevin Hayes is 31 years old. Henrik’s jersey is hanging in the rafters. The Ranger's only remaining skater from that window of time is Chris Kreider.
That era of Rangers hockey is now in the history books.