Brandon Hagel is under scrutiny today because of an incident that happened during the third period on Sunday night, where he seemed to aim for Noah Dobson’s surgically fixed thumb in Montreal’s 2-1 victory over Tampa.
The event unfolded after the referee blew the whistle. Hagel went right for Dobson’s hand without any puck being involved or any tussle to make it seem reasonable.
Dobson had just returned to play after having surgery on his thumb, and everyone in hockey knew that his hand was still weak.
This situation is different from the usual post-whistle antics. It wasn’t just a push or a facewash. It was deliberate.
David Calabretta from The Fourth Period pointed it out on social media almost immediately, calling it a horrible attempt to hurt someone. The video quickly circulated in the hockey community overnight.
Players, analysts, and former NHL players all chimed in. Nearly everyone agrees that Hagel needs to face a hearing.
Why the Player Safety Department has to act on this one
George Parros and his team have a case that almost explains itself. The video shows the intention clearly. The part of the body targeted is recorded. The whole situation cannot be overlooked.
Hagel played for 21:53 during that match, ended with a -1 rating, had three shots on goal, and didn’t score against Jakub Dobes. So his cheap shot didn’t even happen out of frustration in the offensive zone.
That detail is important. Attacks aimed at known injuries are usually brushed off as something that just happened in the heat of the moment. This one happened during a stoppage in play, in a game where his team was down by one goal.
Dobson, who has a cap hit of $9.5 million, played for 18:37 and continued in the game. However, he was clearly holding his hand in a funny way on the bench afterward, as reported by those covering the game.
Martin St-Louis hasn’t made a big public fuss, but that’s just not how he does things. The word will come from Kent Hughes, through agents, and from whatever decision Player Safety makes.
Now, there’s a big question hanging over Tuesday morning. If the league ignores this incident because the team that did it is almost out of the playoffs, what does that say to every player in the next round who feels wronged?
Jon Cooper will be questioned about it. Hagel will also be asked about it. But their responses won’t really change anything. The only opinion that counts now is from Player Safety, and their lack of response so far speaks louder than the actual hit.
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