NHL News: Hagel Fined, Future Salary Cap Projections, and Latest Injury Updates

Brandon Hagel Fined for Altercation

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel has been fined $5,000 by NHL Player Safety. The penalty was issued for Hagel's actions as an aggressor in an altercation involving Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, during which Hagel received a double minor penalty.

Projected NHL Salary Cap for 2028-29 Revealed

Based on current NHL Human Resources Revenue (HRR) projections and existing revenue trends, the league is reportedly anticipating a significant increase in the Salary Cap Upper Limit. Industry insights suggest the NHL projects a cap of approximately $123 million for the 2028-29 season. This represents a substantial rise of nearly $30 million from the current cap of $95.5 million over the next three years, signaling robust financial growth for the league.

NHL Injury Updates

• Calgary Flames: Defenseman Zach Whitecloud was sidelined for last night's game due to an upper-body injury sustained on Saturday night. He is currently not with the team.
• Columbus Blue Jackets: Defenseman Dante Fabbro has returned to the lineup after missing two games with a lower-body injury. However, defenseman Erik Gudbranson exited last night's game in the first period with an upper-body injury and will not join the team on their upcoming three-game road trip.
• Boston Bruins: Forward Brad Marchand is managing a persistent lower-body injury. Coach Paul Maurice stated that a decision on potential surgery will be made within the next few days. Maurice indicated that even without surgery, Marchand is facing a recovery period measured in weeks, not days, having dealt with the issue for several months which the team had managed to maintain.
• Chicago Blackhawks: Defenseman Seth Jones participated in Monday's practice wearing a regular jersey. Jones suffered a broken collarbone on January 2nd from a deflected puck. While he has been cleared for contact, he is not yet medically cleared to play.
• Montreal Canadiens: Forward Oliver Kapanen was given a maintenance day yesterday.
• Ottawa Senators: Coach Travis Green announced that defenseman Jake Sanderson is expected to be out week-to-week due to an upper-body injury.
• Philadelphia Flyers: Forward Travis Konecny has returned to action after missing the previous three games with an upper-body injury.
• Seattle Kraken: Forward Jaden Schwartz is out indefinitely with an upper-body injury.
• Edmonton Oilers: Forward Evander Kane missed last night's game experiencing upper-body discomfort.