The most intriguing player in Lightning training camp

Photo by Andrew Bershaw /Icon_SportswireThe original title of this article, in fact the original concept overall, was “Why Brandon Hagel is the most important player for the Tampa Bay Lightning this season”. Upon reflection, he’s not. We all know he’s not. The most important player for the Tampa Bay Lightning is Andrei Vasilevskiy. It always has been, and it will always will be until his contract is over after the 2027-28 season. No Vasy - No Cup. That being said, Brandon Hagel could be the key cog in making the Lightning offense work this season.

As one of the big pick-ups at the trade deadline there was a lot expected of the 24-year-old who had potted 21 goals in 55 games for a bad Chicago…