Lightning’s Brandon Hagel out day-to-day, not ruled out for Thursday
Some uncertain future for one of the Tampa Bay Lightning‘s top players.
When speaking to the media on Wednesday, assistant coach Rob Zettler stated that forward Brandon Hagel is out day-to-day, but has yet to be ruled out for Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Kings.
Brandon Hagel is considered day to day and has not been ruled out for tomorrow vs LA, according to #GoBolts assistant coach Rob Zettler
Hagel’s status comes after he was unable to finish a game against the rival Florida Panthers on Monday night. In the third period of the Battle of Florida, Hagel was caught by Panthers defenseman Seth Jones’ elbow, with the 27-year-old’s head being the first point of contact.
Brandon Hagel left the game in the 3rd period tonight and did not return after this hit from Seth Jones. Hagel suffered a concussion back in April after taking a hit from Aaron Ekblad in the playoffs 😬
There was no penalty on the play, and there was no supplemental discipline for Jones’ actions.
For those who don’t remember, Hagel suffered a concussion during last year’s first-round series between the two rivals, when Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad deliberately elbowed Hagel to the side of his head. Ekblad was handed a two-game suspension.
Hagel has already missed time this season. An undisclosed injury held him out of a game last month, with another ailment forcing him to leave last Thursday’s games against the New Jersey Devils prematurely.
In 32 appearances thus far, Hagel has scored 18 goals and 13 assists for 31 points, sitting third on the team in scoring behind Nikita Kucherov and Jake Guentzel.
The Lightning (18-12-3) sit third in the Atlantic Division, two points back of the first-place Detroit Red Wings.