While Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin hasn’t given the team a list of teams he’d be willing to sign an extension with to help facilitate a trade, he has given them one clue at least. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman notes in the latest 32 Thoughts podcast (audio link) that the blueliner has made it known that he would like to return to the United States. Hanifin is set to enter the final year of his contract with a $4.95MM AAV that is well below market value. As a result, there should be strong interest in the 26-year-old who, on top of logging over 20 minutes a night, has recorded 86 points over the last two seasons. With the draft getting underway on Wednesday, Hanifin’s name is likely to come up in further trade speculation over the coming days.
Elsewhere around the Western Conference:
- This past season was a tough one for Wild blueliner Alex Goligoski who wound up being a frequent healthy scratch. However, Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic report (subscription link) that the 37-year-old has decided that he wants to return next season and since he has a full no-move clause, it’s safe to say he’ll now be sticking around. Goligoski has one year left on his contract with a $2MM AAV and with him not getting moved now, it wouldn’t be surprising to see if they can create a market for Jonathon Merrill who has two years left at a $1.2MM AAV to try to create a little extra cap flexibility.
- There could be some more moves coming soon, as the Winnipeg Jets are “gaining traction” on a Pierre-Luc Dubois trade, per The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta. There isn’t a clear front-runner for his services at this point, but the Los Angeles Kings and Montreal Canadiens have seen their names mentioned the most of any in recent trade rumors. The influx of pre-draft trades has been started with Kevin Hayes, Ryan Johansen, and Sean Durzi all on the move today.
I have frequently heard that NHL players, generally speaking, prefer to play in the US due to the more favourable tax laws for the rich.
Which… Like, I get it. It’s a selfish take, but I get it. What blows my mind is that these guys talk a big game about “giving back,” but actually contributing to social services and infrastructure is somehow beneath them. The rich aren’t taxed enough as is. It’s immensely frustrating.
But the NHL ought to find some way to balance that issue around taxes. I think that’s a big part of the reason why the Cup hasn’t come to Canada in 30 years.
Cheer up! It can only get worse for you!
Another Socialist Canadian. Lol.
Let’s see your next paycheck get taxed at 40% and let us know how you like that.
I pay about 25% of my income to taxes, and I happily do so. The government doesn’t always spend it wisely, but that’s why it’s important to stay engaged in politics.
The rich still don’t pay nearly enough in taxes relative to what they take from the broader economy.
link to cnbc.com
Hate the rich all you want, but let me know when a poor person offers you a job.
There’s clearly something serious going on in Calgary and none of the socalled insiders have an answer, Why aren’t the 32 thoughts pretty boys on top of this one? Why? They are overpriced CONS!!!!!
They run their teams like the government?