Career Timeline of Brandon Hagel: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Brandon Hagel made an impact.

Brandon Hagel is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL. Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2016, he didn't sign with them and later debuted in the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2020. Prior to his NHL career, Hagel played junior hockey with the Red Deer Rebels in the WHL. He has also represented Canada internationally, securing gold medals at the 2021 World Championship and the 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2012: Started career with Fort Saskatchewan Rangers

In 2012, Brandon Hagel began his Bantam and Midget AAA ice hockey career with the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers in the Alberta Midget Hockey League (AMHL).

September 17, 2015: Signed by Red Deer Rebels

On September 17, 2015, Brandon Hagel was signed as a free agent by the Red Deer Rebels in the Western Hockey League.

2016: Memorial Cup and NHL Draft

In 2016, Brandon Hagel helped lead the Red Deer Rebels to the Memorial Cup and was selected 159th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL entry draft.

2016: Drafted by Buffalo Sabres

In 2016, Brandon Hagel was selected 159th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL entry draft.

2017: Family Tragedy and Advocacy

Since 2017, Hagel has lost three family members to suicide and is an advocate for mental health awareness, participating in the NHL's Hockey Talks initiative.

June 1, 2018: Sabres Relinquish Rights

On June 1, 2018, the Buffalo Sabres had not signed Brandon Hagel to a contract and relinquished their rights to him, allowing him to become eligible for the 2018 NHL entry draft.

October 2018: Signed with Chicago Blackhawks

In October 2018, Brandon Hagel signed with the Chicago Blackhawks, marking the beginning of his professional hockey career.

2018: Assigned to Rockford IceHogs

In 2018, Brandon Hagel attended the Blackhawks' training camp before the 2018–19 NHL season but was assigned to the Rockford IceHogs to begin the 2018–19 AHL season.

February 9, 2019: Franchise Assist Record

On February 9, 2019, Brandon Hagel surpassed Arron Asham's former franchise assist record of 161 in a game against the Moose Jaw Warriors.

March 1, 2019: 100th WHL Point

On March 1, 2019, Brandon Hagel scored his 100th WHL point and 38th goal of the season in a 4–7 loss to the Medicine Hat Tigers.

2019: Joins Rockford IceHogs

In 2019, After the Rebels were knocked out of the 2019 WHL playoffs, Brandon Hagel joined the Blackhawks' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, for eight games and recorded one point.

March 11, 2020: NHL Debut

On March 11, 2020, Brandon Hagel made his NHL debut, the day before the NHL season was postponed due to COVID-19.

March 2020: NHL Debut

In March 2020, Brandon Hagel made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks.

September 30, 2020: Loaned to HC Thurgau

On September 30, 2020, Brandon Hagel was loaned to HC Thurgau, a second tier Swiss League club.

2020: Loaned to HC Thurgau

In 2020, Hagel was loaned to HC Thurgau of the Swiss League.

2020: Earns first invitation to represent Canada internationally

In 2020, Hagel's success in the 2020–21 NHL season saw him earn his first invitation to represent Canada internationally.

August 6, 2021: Contract Extension with Blackhawks

On August 6, 2021, Brandon Hagel, a restricted free agent, re-signed with the Blackhawks to a three-year, $4.5 million contract extension.

2021: IIHF World Championship Gold Medal

In 2021, Brandon Hagel joined the senior national team for the 2021 IIHF World Championship and won a gold medal after defeating Finland.

2021: Played with Lightning

In 2021, Hagel played the remainder of the season with the Lightning.

2022: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

In 2022, Brandon Hagel posted two goals and four assists during the playoffs, contributing to the Lightning's Stanley Cup Final appearance, where they were defeated by the Colorado Avalanche.

2022: First Full Season with Lightning

In 2022, Brandon Hagel started his first full season with the Lightning.

2023: Career Highs

In 2023, Brandon Hagel achieved career highs in both points and goals, with 30 goals and 34 assists for 64 points in 81 games. He also posted a goal and four assists for five points in a six-game first-round exit to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

2023: Trade to Tampa Bay Lightning

In 2023, Brandon Hagel was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2023: Contract Extension

In 2023, Hagel and the Lightning agreed to an 8-year contract extension worth $52 million.

December 2024: Named to 4 Nations Face-Off Roster

In December 2024, Brandon Hagel was named to Canada's 23-player roster for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.

2024: Career-High Season and Suspension

In 2024, Brandon Hagel recorded 35 goals and 55 assists for a career-high of 90 points and was named the NHL's first star of the week. He also received a one-game suspension for a hit on Aleksander Barkov, and later suffered a concussion.

2024: Playoff Exit

In 2024, Brandon Hagel registered three goals and two assists for five points in all five games in Tampa Bay's first-round playoff exit to the Florida Panthers.

2024: Trade to Tampa Bay Lightning

In 2024, Brandon Hagel was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2024: Joins Team Canada

In 2024, following the Tampa Bay Lightning's ouster in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Brandon Hagel again joined Team Canada for the 2024 IIHF World Championship.