Last season, Brandon Hagel wasn’t just good; he was a revelation for the Tampa Bay Lightning and fantasy hockey managers alike. Exploding for 35 goals and 55 assists, totaling a fantastic 90 points in a full 82-game slate, Hagel cemented himself as a top-tier offensive threat. But the burning question on everyone’s mind as we look ahead to the 2025-2026 NHL season is: can he do it again? More importantly, can he exceed it?
As someone who’s been dissecting hockey trends and player performances for years, my gut feeling, backed by some serious number crunching, leans heavily towards another stellar campaign for the tenacious winger. The key catalyst for this optimism? His prime real estate on Tampa Bay’s potent power play. Picture this: Hagel positioned strategically, ready to capitalize on the playmaking wizardry of Nikita Kucherov, the pinpoint accuracy of Brayden Point, the offensive instincts of Jake Guentzel, and the quarterbacking brilliance of Victor Hedman. It’s a recipe for power play success, and Hagel is right in the thick of it.
Decoding Hagel’s Potential: A Deep Dive into 2025-26 Projections
Beyond the power play, Hagel’s even-strength play has also matured significantly. He’s not just a beneficiary of his linemates; he drives play, possesses an underrated shot, and isn’t afraid to get to the dirty areas. This well-rounded offensive game makes him a consistent threat regardless of the game situation.
So, let’s get down to brass tacks. For the 2025-2026 NHL season, my Brandon Hagel point projections place him firmly in the high-80s to low-90s. Specifically, I’m projecting 33 goals and 56 assists for a total of 89 points. While this is a slight dip in goal scoring from last year’s impressive tally, I anticipate a marginal increase in his assist numbers as he continues to build chemistry with his elite linemates.
Hagel’s Power Play Prowess: A Fantasy Goldmine
Don’t underestimate the impact of consistent power play time. With the talent surrounding him, Hagel is poised to rack up significant points with the man advantage. He’s got the speed to get open, the hands to finish, and the hockey IQ to make smart decisions in high-pressure situations. For fantasy managers, Hagel represents a potentially undervalued asset who could easily outperform his draft position. He offers a fantastic blend of goal-scoring and playmaking ability, making him a valuable contributor in all fantasy formats. His tenacity and willingness to battle also contribute to peripheral stats like shots on goal and hits, further boosting his fantasy appeal.
Looking at comparable players in similar offensive environments, my projections feel grounded and realistic. While a 100-point season isn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility given his linemates and power play role, consistency is key, and projecting just shy of that mark feels like the most prudent approach. Brandon Hagel is no longer a rising star; he’s arrived. Expect another impactful season from him in 2025-2026.
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