The agents for Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin have informed the team that he will not sign an extension ahead of the March 8 trade deadline and instead intends to test unrestricted free agency this summer, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports on “Saturday Headlines.”
TSN’s Chris Johnston reported earlier in the month that Hanifin’s camp was expected to inform Flames GM Craig Conroy of his re-signing intentions in the coming days. Hanifin indicated last summer he was not willing to extend in Calgary, but became amenable to a deal closer to the beginning of the season and was reportedly offered an eight-year deal with a $7.5MM AAV shortly thereafter.
That deal was still on the table by all indications heading into their discussions this month, but Hanifin likely believes he can attract richer offers over the summer – or with a new squad in the coming months. He’ll now surely be dealt by the deadline and, at 27 years old, becomes the top rental option remaining on the market at any position with Penguins winger Jake Guentzel injured.
With one foot in the “stay in Calgary” door, there haven’t been many documented suitors for Hanifin in recent weeks. The Coyotes had demonstrated interest earlier in the season, but a 2-7-1 stretch in their last 10 games has them far out of the playoff picture and takes them out of the conversation for making a rental acquisition.
Some contenders and playoff hopefuls with obvious holes on defense, such as the Maple Leafs and Lightning, would likely be willing to give up assets for Hanifin without a guarantee of an extension. The minute-munching defender, who has 30 points and a +11 rating in 54 contests, carries a reasonable cap hit of $4.95MM, although that’s still likely too much to swallow for most contenders without moving money the other way.
It’s worth noting that Hanifin has some control over his short-term destiny. His deal affords him an eight-team no-trade list, per CapFriendly. Whether Hanifin would consider an extension with his post-deadline team is unclear.
The coming weeks will end a six-year tenure for Hanifin in Calgary. The Flames acquired him, along with Elias Lindholm, from the Hurricanes in a June 2018 blockbuster, sending Micheal Ferland, Dougie Hamilton, and the signing rights to future Rangers superstar Adam Fox in return.
Hanifin’s averaged a career-high 23:44 this season, and his 0.56 points per game is the second-highest mark of his career. His expected +1.3 rating is pedestrian compared to recent seasons, however, as is his career-worst Corsi-for percentage of 49.6 at even strength.
SIGNS with Boston on July 1 for 7 x $7.5M
Bruins forget about a #1 C and settle for lesser centers.
Dallas-bound, Stankoven or Bichel and White or Bourque central pieces going back IMO
Obviously some salary goes back & a draft pick
Is this not oozing a future contract with Dallas or Detroit?
Tell me I’m wrong
I’d be surprised if DET made a play for him. They have to pay Moritz this summer, likely a 8yr x 7.5 per and also have LD Edvinsson and Wallinder coming up. Both those guys could be the next Hanifin. Seider is already great. DET needs a true #1 goalie f they’re going to spend somewhere.
Yes, like everyone else they need to acquire a RD….but maybe a very good LD might be the only option and you play Maata and/or Chiarot on the RS, which they are capable of. But yeah, maybe Noah is a bridge to far, and there is not enough time for him to build an ark.
Elliot clearly says its obvious without confirmation from the player, agent(s), or team that Hanifin intends to test the market, never does he say the agents have told the Flames that is his intention.
Although this was pretty much expected, but the first paragraph in the article is inaccurate in saying Elliot reported that the agents have informed the Flames of his intentions to go to market. He clearly states that its without information from the agents, that this is the belief.
Remember, *if* Hanifin goes to FA, Calgary will be effectively trading for cap space. They won’t be dealing with another team, so no players will be “coming back”. Judging by the tone of some of their post-game callers, many are hot at the Flames, and their apparent lack of direction. It’s getting a toxic waste reputation for who knows what reasons. Whatever you speculate for said reasons, you’ll probably right, to a degree.