Lightning F Brandon Hagel Fined $5K for Altercation

Hagel served as 'the aggressor' in incident with Sabres' Rasmus Dahlin, NHL says.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel received a $5,000 fine from the NHL for his role in an altercation with Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin during a game the previous day. The NHL Player Safety department said Hagel was the aggressor in the incident that occurred early in the second period of the Sabres' 8-7 home win.

Why it matters

Altercations and physical play are common in the NHL, but the league aims to curb excessive aggression and unsportsmanlike conduct through fines and suspensions. This fine for Hagel highlights the league's efforts to promote player safety and sportsmanship.

The details

Hagel, 27, was assessed a double minor for roughing after throwing punches at Dahlin, but remained in the game. Earlier, he had drawn a five-minute fighting major and a two-minute minor for boarding in the first period. Despite the penalties, Hagel finished the game with a goal and an assist along with 11 total penalty minutes.

  • The incident occurred 3:35 into the second period on March 8, 2026.
  • Hagel received the $5,000 fine from the NHL on March 9, 2026.

The players

Brandon Hagel

A 27-year-old forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning who ranks third on the team with 59 points (30 goals, 29 assists) through 57 games this season.

Rasmus Dahlin

A defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres who was involved in the altercation with Hagel.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The NHL will likely continue to monitor player conduct and issue fines or suspensions as needed to enforce league rules and promote player safety.

The takeaway

This fine for Hagel underscores the NHL's commitment to curbing excessive aggression and unsportsmanlike conduct on the ice, even from star players, in order to prioritize player safety and the integrity of the game.