Report: Carl Hagelin's NHL career looks to be over

The Washington Capitals announced today that forward Carl Hagelin underwent hip surgery and will be out of the team's lineup indefinitely.

The 34 year old forward has been limited in action the past few seasons due to this chronic hip issue and today's news almost certainly closes the book on his NHL career. For a player who relies almost solely on his explosive speed and acceleration, a hip surgery is an absolute worst case scenario. He played just 53 goals last season, putting up just three goals and 14 points. In fact, it was the worst point total of his entire NHL career. He's just a few years removed from being a 30+ point producer, but with his body breaking down and with him hitting 34 years of age it appears that his NHL career is coming to a close. He'll be an unrestricted free agent this upcoming offseason.

If this is indeed the end Hagelin's career stat line will read 110 goals and 296 points in 713 games split between the New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings and Capitals. He has two Stanley Cup championships from his time with the Penguins and will likely go down in most people's memories for his play during those two Cup runs in 2016 and 2017. In fact, he put up six goals and 16 points in 24 games with the Penguins during their 2015-16 Stanley Cup championship playoff run playing on the infamous "HBK" line with Nick Bonino and Phil Kessel. That 'HBK' line was absolutely electric during that run and absolutely blew past opponents using sheer speed and determination. Hagelin was almost always the fastest player on his line, if not his team, but if there's anyone who ever gave him a run for his money it was Kessel. I have vivd memories of watching both Hagelin and Kessel run over the San Jose Sharks in the Stanley Cup Final.

Again, if this is in fact the end of the road for Hagelin he's had an excellent career. He's got to Stanley Cups and he got to play on some of the best teams of his generation.