Hagel, 21, has 13 goals and eight assists for 21 points in 38 games for the IceHogs this season.
The Chicago Blackhawks recalled forward Brandon Hagel from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League on Thursday. Dylan Strome was placed on injured reserve with a right ankle injury retroactive to Jan. 7.
Hagel inked a three-year contract with the Blackhawks back in October of 2018. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound winger played four seasons of junior hockey with the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL before turning professional. In his final campaign with the Rebels, Hagel lit up the WHL for 41 goals and 61 assists in just 66 games. The former sixth-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres was fourth in the league in points with 102.
Hagel made the jump to the AHL last season after the Rebels were eliminated from the WHL playoffs in the first round. The Morinville, Alberta native played in eight games for the IceHogs towards the end of the year and registered one assist.
Fast forward to Hagel's first full year of professional hockey, where he currently leads the IceHogs with 13 goals. His 21 points are second on the team only to Tyler Sikura's 23. Hagel has been one of Rockford's best players this season, so the call-up doesn't come as a surprise.
Looking back to Blackhawks' development camp in July, Hagel was one of the most impressive forwards on the roster. His speed and tenacity were noticeable each day. Combined with a natural skill on offense, it was apparent then that Hagel would be up with the Hawks at some point in the season. The only question was when.
That question has now been answered, as Hagel will likely make his NHL debut on Saturday night in Toronto. Where coach Jeremy Colliton will place Hagel in the lineup has yet to be determined.
For more Blackhawks news and updates, follow the author (@JackBushman2) on Twitter. Make sure to check out the author's podcast, Talkin' Hawkey, which can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Twitter (@TalkinHawkey).
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