NHL News: Hagel Fined, 2028-29 Projected Salary Cap, and Injury Updates

Brandon Hagel Fined

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel received a $5,000 fine from NHL Player Safety for his role as an aggressor in an altercation with Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.

Brandon Hagel received a double minor for attacking Rasmus Dahlin

Should he have been ejected from the game?

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) March 8, 2026

Projected 2028-29 NHL Salary Cap

According to Allan Walsh, the NHL is projecting the Salary Cap Upper Limit to reach approximately $123 million by the 2028-29 season. This projection is based on an analysis of NHL Hockey Related Revenue (HRR) and current revenue trends. If realized, this would represent an increase of nearly $30 million from the current cap of $95.5 million within a three-year span.

NHL Injury Notes

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: 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 due to an upper-body injury and will not join the team for their upcoming three-game road trip.

Florida Panthers: Forward Brad Marchand is managing a persistent lower-body injury, and coach Paul Maurice stated that a decision regarding potential surgery will be made within the next few days. Maurice elaborated, "A decision will be made on the best course of action to get him to 100 percent health. Even without surgery, we're looking at a long-term absence, likely weeks, not days. He has been dealing with this for a couple of months, and we've been able to maintain it." Separately, defenseman Seth Jones participated in Monday's practice in a regular jersey. Jones fractured his 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 took a maintenance day yesterday.

Ottawa Senators: Coach Travis Green announced that defenseman Jake Sanderson is sidelined week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

Philadelphia Flyers: Forward Travis Konecny has returned to the lineup after missing three games with an upper-body injury.

Seattle Kraken: Forward Jaden Schwartz is out indefinitely due to an upper-body injury.

Vancouver Canucks: Forward Evander Kane missed last night’s game due to upper-body discomfort.