Carl Hagelin Research Paper

The Pittsburgh Penguins made a midseason swap that included both David Perron and Adam Clendening for the speedy Carl Hagelin on January 16.

Hagelin was acquired from the Anaheim Ducks with hopes to spark an already talented Penguins’ roster that hasn’t yet put it all together.

In his first year with Anaheim, Hagelin notched just 12 points (4G, 8A) in 43 appearances. But head coach Mike Sullivan saw more than just points in acquisition.

“I think he’s going to track pucks down and help keep them longer,” Sullivan said. “He’ll put teams in vulnerable circumstances, and he’s got good enough hockey sense to where he can play with other guys at that level. He’s a real great player and a great person, so I think he’ll fit in real well.”

Sullivan

“He was a really good coach. He was there for me when I needed it, and he obviously gave me good advice.”

With Nick Bonino out for an extended period of time, Sullivan needed to find another strong penalty-killer and Hagelin filled that gap.

“He’s a very good penalty killer,” Sullivan continued. “We can use him in a lot of circumstances. That’s one of the things we liked about him was his versatility. He can play a lot of different roles. He can play in the top six. He can kill penalties. He can bring an element of speed to your team that I think has an immediate effect on your team’s overall speed with or without the puck.”

With zero practices under his belt, Hagelin debuted alongside Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel against the Carolina Hurricanes on January 17.

Early in the first period, Hagelin sealed off a Carolina defender at the crease allowing Olli Maatta to find open space and score the Penguins’ first of five

“I think his speed is evident,” Sullivan said. “And the more he gets to play with Malkin and the other guys, the more familiar he’ll get with them. It’ll allow him to get better. But I think his speed is evident and gives him the ability to create plays.”

Hagelin was more modest after the win over the Hurricanes, and kept his thoughts focused on the team.

“I’m just trying to play my game,” Hagelin said. “I try to use my speed, create turnovers, and drive through the middle to create ice for my teammates, and I think I did that.

“My legs are feeling good, and I had a couple chances, but I’m not going to sit here and talk about myself, because we won 5-0 and it’s a team game is what matters.”

Positive words to hear form someone who didn't expect to be traded.

Just days later, Coach Sullivan’s words were echoed in the form of boisterous cheers after Hagelin dished out the game winning assist in the Penguins’ 4-3 win over the Flyers at CONSOL Energy Center on January 21.

Hagelin used his speed to get up ice and start a 2-on-1 fast break that was capped off with a Kessel