Carl Hagelin Signs 4-year Bargain Deal to Stay With Capitals

Sunday, former Pittsburgh Penguins left winger Carl Hagelin who was famously part of the H-B-K line which led the 2016 Pittsburgh Penguins to a Stanley Cup championship signed a deal at a slight discount to stay with the Washington Capitals. Hagelin signed a four-year, $11 million deal.

He will count as $2.75 million against the Washington salary cap through 2022-23, as announced by Capitals GM Brian McClellan. Hagelin’s expiring four-year, $16 million contract counted $4 million against the cap, which means he accepted a pay cut.

Hagelin could have waited until June 23 to speak with other teams.

He was traded twice last season including from the Penguins to the LA Kings for struggling winger Tanner Pearson in November. Then LA dealt the speedy but light scoring Hagelin to Washington at the trade deadline in February.

It is accepted the Penguins tried to re-acquire Hagelin at the trade deadline but were prevented by NHL rules because the Penguins held back some of Hagelin’s salary in the November deal. 

Hagelin, 30, scored 19 points (5g, 14a) in 58 games last season, however, 11 of those points (3g, 8a) were in the final 20 games with Washington. He scored just one goal for each the Penguins and LA.

According to a quote from the team website, McClellan said, “Carl is a versatile player who can play on any line and is an excellent penalty killer. He is a proven winner and provides great leadership to our team.”

As he was with the Penguins, Hagelin solidified the Washington third line. The contract makes sure at least one Penguins Stanley Cup ring is in the Capitals locker room as 2009 Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik is considering retirement.

In 546 career games, Carl Hagelin has 241 points (93g, 148a) with the New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks, Penguins, LA, and Washington. Hagelin also has 48 points (22g, 26a) in 128 playoff games. He played in the Stanley Cup Final with New York in 2014, then returned to the Eastern Conference Final with New York in 2015 before winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Penguins in 2016 and 2017.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now included Hagelin on the list of affordable LW free agents with an estimated yearly value between $3-$4 million.