Second City Hockey’s 2019-20 preseason Blackhawks Top 25 Under 25 series ranks the organization’s top 25 players under the age of 25 by Oct. 1, 2019. The rankings are determined by a composite score from six SCH writers and more than 70 readers. Each participant used their own metric of current ability and production against future projection to rank each player. The six SCH writers will make their ballots public after the series is completed.
Who else did you think was going to write this one?
Brandon Hagel was a free agent at this time last year after the Sabres, who drafted him in the sixth round (159th overall) in 2016, decided not to sign him and let his NHL rights expire. Hagel attended the Canadiens development and training camp, but returned to Red Deer without a NHL contract. He started the WHL season hot with 12 goals and 28 points through 15 games before signing with the Blackhawks.
Hagel stayed with the Rebels and finished the season with 1.55 points per game and the fourth-most points in the WHL. He also led the league with 0.52 goals per game during 5-on-5 play, according to prospect-stats.com.
Like Reese Johnson, Hagel joined the IceHogs after a first-round WHL playoff exit. Hagel was held without a point through his first five AHL games on a team that struggled to score before recording a primary assist.
His speed and compete level set him apart from his peers. He can contribute offensively as well, but it’s his relentless drive the organization likes the most.
Here is Hagel’s PNHLe value from DobberProspects that projects a prospect’s point potential at the NHL level. This is a bit on the high side after his 102-point season as he’s more in line with being a bottom-six NHL player.
Hagel was named the prospect camp scrimmage MVP, here are some highlights from that:
Was trying to follow Philipp Kurashev (54) and Brandon Hagel (29, top right) scored. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/pNCMaxyRJ7
— Second City Hockey🍪 (@2ndCityHockey) July 19, 2019
Brandon Hagel (29) #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/gUfL54mEOG
— Second City Hockey🍪 (@2ndCityHockey) July 19, 2019
Hagel draws a penalty pic.twitter.com/nEyfu09ISW
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) July 19, 2019
Brandon Hagel in the O-zone. pic.twitter.com/7nTVZo50mx
— Dave Melton (@_DaveMelton) July 21, 2019
What’s next?
Hagel is among players that could be in the mix to play in the bottom-six in the NHL, but it’s more likely he’ll be playing in Rockford.
Is Brandon Hagel ranked too low, just right or too high?
| Low | 43 |
| Just right | 114 |
| High | 44 |