The 2023 offseason has been a monumental one for the Calgary Flames, and we’re still weeks away from the draft and free agency. New general manager Craig Conroy has a tough contract situation to deal with on his hands, with six important players currently headed for unrestricted free agency in 2024. A decision on what to do with one of those players has been made for him, though, as Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic reports defenseman Noah Hanifin is unwilling to sign an extension with the team and is likely destined for a trade.
Now 26, the top-flight defender has just shy of 600 NHL games under his belt and is entering the final season of a six-year, $4.95MM average annual value contract signed with Calgary in 2018. He’s had some very solid seasons in Alberta, including three 30-point campaigns and a firmly cemented top-four role throughout his time there. Historically a positive two-way force, Hanifin had some significant defensive struggles for the first time in 2022-23, seeing his advanced metrics dip slightly below the league average.
At his age and with his experience, though, that’s likely an outlier. Whichever team Hanifin ends up with can expect to pay him north of $6MM on a long-term deal and get their money’s worth. He’s one of the more consistent players from year to year in the league, really never having huge offensive or defensive lapses and maintaining solid (but not elite) numbers in heavy usage. His 0.48 points per game are tied for 47th among defensemen with at least 100 games played over the last three seasons, and his 21:32 average time on ice is 57th using the same parameters.
Competent on both the power play and penalty kill, the left-shot defender is not a true number-one defenseman but still a high-end, first-pairing caliber player. He may not fetch as much in a trade with the Flames as he would if he were a right-shot defenseman, but the Flames should still expect (and receive) at least a first-round pick for his services on the trade market – even if he makes it to the trade deadline and is sold as a rental.
With a steep trade market this offseason, though, moving him now is likely to get Calgary some good value with more time for their trade partner to negotiate an extension. And, given the Flames have pointed playoff aspirations next season, it would behoove them to free up Hanifin’s cap hit so he could be replaced via free agency or a separate trade later in the summer.
In 81 games this season, Hanifin registered seven goals and 38 points in 81 contests, recording a career-high average ice time of 22:39 in the process.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Really like the thought of Noah coming to Detroit. It would be even better if Calgary takes Chiarot($1M retained) + Nuck’s 2nd in return. Stevie signs Noah for $6.2M x 7 or 8.
I think there’s a good fit there, but there’s no way it won’t cost you a first IMO – especially if you’re trying to offload Chiarot on a team trying to be competitive. Great extension, you probably can get him to that number if you signed now. If he has a better season in 2023-24, I can see the AAV on an extension creeping closer to $7MM per.
0% chance this happens, red wings have 17 thousand LD and hanifan would come in as bottom pair, not sure you really understand how the red wings are constructed
0%%%%%%%%%% to Detroit there is no need or fit for this player. Try again
Chiarot, who is trash, and a 2nd round pick?! This is real life, not a video game.
You do realize that he is better than any of the LD Detroit has. But of course you do not trade Eddy for him. Say Maata and the Boston 2024 1st.
Funny how Hanifin ended up in Calgary because Dougie Hamilton wanted out, thus the draft-day trade with Carolina back in 2018. Now Hanifin wants out. It’s almost like players aren’t real keen on playing in Calgary.
I think it’s a similar problem with playing in Toronto – where everyone recognizes you and the media is very aggressive on their standards.
If you don’t understand why Detroit is not a trade partner I can’t help you out pickle rick
Lol really doubt it’s a “similar problem with playing in Toronto.” While you hear about some players not wanting to play in a large market like Toronto you never hear of Toronto players refusing to come back to Toronto. Sorry to say, Calgary and Toronto are 2 VERY VERY different markets.
BLACKHAWKS!!
Queens need help
He’s a rental for a team that can contend. Then he makes his $$$ when the cap jumps $5mil
My picks are Canucks as a desperation move with OEL gone or the Kraken