Brandon Hagel Fined
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel has been fined $5,000 by NHL Player Safety. The penalty was issued for his role as an aggressor in an altercation involving Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.
The Projected 2028-29 Salary Cap
Insights into NHL revenue projections suggest a significant increase in the salary cap. The league is reportedly forecasting an Upper Limit of approximately $123 million for the 2028-29 season. This represents a substantial rise of nearly $30 million from the current $95.5 million cap, projected over a three-year period.
NHL Injury Notes
- Calgary Flames: Defenseman Zach Whitecloud was absent from the team’s recent game due to an upper-body injury sustained on Saturday night. He is not currently with the team.
- Columbus Blue Jackets: Defenseman Dante Fabbro returned to action after recovering from a lower-body injury that caused him to miss the previous two games. 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 managing a persistent lower-body injury. According to coach Paul Maurice, a decision regarding potential surgery will be made within the next few days. Maurice indicated that even without surgery, Marchand’s recovery is long-term, expected to take weeks rather than days. The player has reportedly been dealing with this issue for several months, with the team managing his condition. Panthers defenseman Seth Jones participated in Monday’s practice wearing a regular jersey. He suffered a broken collarbone on January 2nd after being struck by a deflected puck. While he has been 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.
- Ottawa Senators: Defenseman Jake Sanderson is sidelined week-to-week with an upper-body injury, as confirmed by coach Travis Green.
- Philadelphia Flyers: Forward Travis Konecny rejoined the team’s lineup, having recovered from an upper-body injury that kept him out for the previous three games.
- Seattle Kraken: Forward Jaden Schwartz has been ruled out indefinitely due to an upper-body injury.
- Vancouver Canucks: Forward Evander Kane was absent from the recent game due to upper-body discomfort.
