Brandon Hagel Receives Fine for Altercation
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel has been penalized by NHL Player Safety, receiving a $5,000 fine. The penalty was issued for his actions as an aggressor during an altercation involving Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.
NHL’s Projected Salary Cap for 2028-29 Revealed
According to insights shared by Allan Walsh, the National Hockey League is anticipating a significant increase in its Salary Cap Upper Limit. Projections for the 2028-29 season suggest the cap could reach approximately $123 million. This represents a substantial rise of nearly $30 million from the current $95.5 million cap, indicating strong financial growth within the league over the next three years, based on current HRR (Hockey Related Revenue) projections and existing revenue trends.
NHL Injury Roundup
A look at the latest injury updates from around the NHL:
- Calgary Flames: Defenseman Zach Whitecloud was absent from last night’s game due to an upper-body injury sustained on Saturday. He is currently not with the team.
- Columbus Blue Jackets: Dante Fabbro, a defenseman, made his return to the lineup after missing two games with a lower-body injury. However, fellow defenseman Erik Gudbranson exited last night’s game in the first period with an upper-body injury and will not accompany the team on their upcoming three-game road trip.
- Florida Panthers: Forward Brad Marchand is grappling with a persistent lower-body injury. Head coach Paul Maurice stated that a decision regarding potential surgery will be made within the next few days. Maurice emphasized the seriousness of the injury, noting, “This isn’t going to be a couple of days. We’re into weeks.” He also mentioned Marchand has been managing this condition for several months. Additionally, defenseman Seth Jones participated in Monday’s practice in a regular jersey. He suffered a broken collarbone on January 2nd after being struck by a deflected puck. While cleared for contact, he has not yet received full medical clearance to return to play.
- Montreal Canadiens: Forward Oliver Kapanen was given a maintenance day on Monday.
- Ottawa Senators: Head coach Travis Green reported that defenseman Jake Sanderson is sidelined week-to-week due to an upper-body injury.
- Philadelphia Flyers: Forward Travis Konecny returned to the lineup after sitting out the previous three games with an upper-body injury.
- Seattle Kraken: Forward Jaden Schwartz has been ruled out indefinitely with an upper-body injury.
- Vancouver Canucks: Forward Evander Kane missed last night’s game, dealing with upper-body discomfort.
