Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin could be traded this season with an extension in place beyond this year, according to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun.
‣ Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin could be traded this season with an extension in place beyond this year. This would be a sign-and-trade agreement between the Flames and the acquiring team.
‣ Hanifin and the Flames were close to agreeing to an extension back in October that would have been valued at roughly $60M over an eight-year term. However, the deal was pulled after Hanifin decided to wait and see how the season developed.
‣ The Flames are unlikely to make a deep run in the playoffs and may opt to recoup some assets for a few of their upcoming free agents. If they struggle on home ice during their six-game homestand, it may incentivize them to move some of their other pending free agents.
TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun has shared some insider info. He’s heard from sources that Noah Hanifin, a defenseman for the Calgary Flames, might be traded this season. The twist? He could be traded with an extension already in place for after this year.
If this happens, it’s basically a sign-and-trade deal. The Flames and the team that gets Hanifin would be in agreement. The team trading for Hanifin would get him as a player under contract for more than just this season.
A few weeks back, LeBrun reported something interesting. Hanifin and the Flames were close to agreeing on an extension in October. The deal? A cool $60M over eight years. But, the Flames pulled the plug. Hanifin decided to wait and see how the season turned out.
The Flames have had a bit of a comeback this season. They stumbled early on, but they’re back in the game now. They might not feel as much pressure to trade their pending unrestricted free agents. But, LeBrun has a point. The Flames might not make a deep playoff run. So, they might choose to get some assets for a few of their upcoming free agents.
Hanifin’s in his sixth year with Calgary. He came over in a trade from the Carolina Hurricanes. So far, he’s got four goals and six assists in 22 games. If he hits the open market, there’ll be plenty of teams wanting to get the Boston native.
The Flames have just started a six-game homestand. This could really influence how they handle the rest of the season. If they don’t do well on home ice, they might be motivated to trade some of their other pending free agents. Chris Tanev, Elias Lindholm, or Nikita Zadorov could be on the move. Especially Zadorov, who asked for a trade just a few weeks ago.
