When the New York Rangers traded Carl Hagelin to the Anaheim Ducks in the summer of 2015, it seemed as if the team lost their speed. They, unfortunately, did not get back nearly what they expected once letting him go.
Nearly four years later, it’s worth considering that maybe the Blueshirts should attempt to bring back Hagelin considering his impressive resume the last few seasons.
Hagelin’s career in Anaheim did not go as planned. In January 2016, the 29-year-old Swedish forward was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Hagelin found a home for two-plus years in the steel city, winning his first two Stanley Cups with the club.
Unfortunately, the bliss was short lived. Once November 2018 came, Hagelin was then traded to the Los Angeles Kings. After struggling with his new club, Hagelin was sent to the Washington Capitals just three months later. The Caps made it to the first round of the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs before losing to the Carolina Hurricanes.
On the other side of things, the New York Rangers are still in a bit of a rebuild mode. With new president John Davidson at the realm, it’s only fair he looks at a handful of unrestricted free agents that are still on the market. Hagelin had some of his best moments in Ranger blue, including the winning goal in game five in the 2015 playoffs to send New York to round two, defeating Pittsburgh.
With a busy offseason looming for all thirty teams, the New York Rangers should definitely give Carl Hagelin another shot. Not only was the Swedish left winger a major fan favorite, but he also experienced plenty of success in the Big Apple. His speed is one of the most deadly in hockey and the boys in Blueshirts could definitely use that.
