Victor Hedman speaks with reporters postgame The Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/] are once again having a strong season. At the time of this writing, they have a 22-15-2 record and are third in the Atlantic Division standings. They have also played fewer games than each of their division rivals, so they are in a good place right now. Brandon Hagel's marvelous play [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-star-makes-history-with-monster-performance] has been a significant reason for the Lightning's success this season. After scoring 26 goals and setting new career highs with 49 assists and 75 points last season, he has hit another level [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/brandon-hagel-leans-into-leadership-opportunity-with-the-lightning] this campaign. In 39 games, he already has 19 goals, 45 points, and a plus-15 rating. Hagel seems to only get better each season and continues proving that the Lightning trading for him was an incredible move. Brandon Hagel [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEyMDM5OTc4Mjg3Mzc2MzYw/usatsi_25104560.jpg] Brandon Hagel During the 2021-22 season, the Lightning traded two first-round picks, Taylor Raddysh, and Boris Katchouk to the Chicago Blackhawks to land Hagel. While this was not a cheap price for the Bolts to pay at the time, it has become a bargain, given how much Hagel has improved since joining Tampa Bay. Hagel, 26, will also be with the Lightning for a long time, as he is currently in the first season of his eight-year, $52 million contract. That contract already looks like a real steal for Tampa.
