Carl Hagelin is looking to win a Stanley Cup. Monday, talking to media during a conference call, the forward said that was his motive in re-signing with the Washington Capitals on a four-year deal worth $11 million.
“I wouldn’t have signed with Washington if I didn’t believe there was still a good chance to win the Stanley Cup,” Hagelin said per Tarik El-Bashir of the Athletic.
Hagelin was acquired by the Capitals in a February trade from the Los Angeles Kings. After playing 27 games, including regular season and postseason in Washington, Hagelin has seemingly found a home with the Capitals after spending the past four seasons with four teams.
“I stayed in Washington to have a good chance to win,” Hagelin added.
Hagelin pointed to the Capitals’ leadership of Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and John Carlson as a reason he believes Washington has a shot a making another run at the Stanley Cup.
“Like I said before, it starts with having Ovi, having Backy and having John Carlson, players that have been in the league for a long time, know what it takes to win and just (have) great leadership,” Hagelin stated. “Those were our best players in the playoffs last year, and they are going to continue to be that.
That’s what I like about the team — it’s a good mix of veteran guys, young guys. Guys aren’t that young but have been in the league for a while and understand the business.”
Hagelin should know what it takes, as he has been to five conference finals and three Stanley Cup Finals in his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers. After tormenting the Capitals throughout the years, he is on the right side of the rivalry and hopes to help Washington get back to a Stanley Cup.
