Fantucchio’s Focus: Bolts Extend Hagel; Red Wings Re-Sign Veleno

Good morning; my name is Andrew Fantucchio. It’s Wednesday, August 23, and here’s what I’m focused on around the NHL today.

Bolts Extend Hagel:

The Tampa Bay Lightning and forward Brandon Hagel agreed to an eight-contract extension worth $6.5 million per year. The deal begins next season after Hagel’s current contract expires and runs through 2032.

EIGHT 👏 MORE 👏 YEARS 👏

We’ve signed forward Brandon Hagel to an eight-year contract extension worth an AAV of $6.5 million.

📝: https://t.co/rBHDnqHmQS pic.twitter.com/DKdqixKTcA

— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) August 22, 2023

Hagel scored 64 points with 30 goals for the Lightning in 2022-23.

Red Wings Re-Sign Veleno on ‘Prove It’ Deal:

The Detroit Red Wings re-signed restricted free agent forward Joe Veleno to a one-year contract worth $825,000.

The Detroit Red Wings Re-Sign Joe Veleno to One-Year Deal

The former 2018 first-round draft pick had an underwhelming performance last year, scoring 20 points with nine goals, and will have to prove he still belongs in Detroit this season.

Oilers Shake Up Scouting Department:

Rick Pracey has been hired as the new Director of Amateur Scouting for the Edmonton Oilers. Pracey has spent the last nine years working as a scout for the Philadelphia Flyers.

The #Oilers have mutually parted ways with Tyler Wright & announced Rick Pracey as their new Director of Amateur Scouting. https://t.co/uwr7XnloMW

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) August 22, 2023

In a related move, the Oilers also announced they mutually agreed to part ways with former Director of Amateur Scouting Tyler Wright.

More From National Hockey Now:

Pittsburgh: Grading the trades from Kyle Dubas’ aggressive first offseason with the Penguins.

Philadelphia: Flyers prospect Samu Tuomaala is turning heads.

Buffalo: Continuing the countdown of the Sabres’ top prospects with no. 24.

Montreal: It’s only been a few years since the Canadiens made a run to the Stanley Cup Final. So, how did we get here?

Chicago: With ample cap space and plenty of prospects, the Blackhawks could be in a position to trade for William Nylander.

Colorado: Does Nathan MacKinnon have another career year in him?

San Jose: Even without Erik Karlsson, there’s still hope for the Sharks’ power play this year.

Follow Andrew Fantucchio on Twitter: @A_Fantucchio