Friedman: “No scenario where Hanifin remains with Flames past deadline”

There has been plenty of news surrounding Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin as the trade deadline is just days away.

With Tyler Toffoli, Nikita Zadorov, Elias Lindholm, and Chris Tanev already traded away this season by new GM Craig Conroy, the last big pending unrestricted free agent is Hanifin.

There was speculation this week that the Flames may opt to take another shot at re-signing their number one left-handed defenceman:

Here is the video of Ryan Leslie talking about the idea that the door isnt closed on Noah Hanifin re-signing in Calgary

Leslie is arguably the most plugged in reporter when it comes to the Flames. He doesn't share much. So when he does say something like this, it has some weight pic.twitter.com/6dZeTXjgCI

— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) March 5, 2024

But, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, one of the most connected hockey insiders in the business, poured a giant bucket of cold water on it on Tuesday night.

Noah Hanifin will be traded by the Flames

Friedman said in no uncertain terms that there is no scenario where the Flames hold onto Hanifin past Friday’s trade deadline.

Friedman just now on Sportsnet:

“No scenario where Hanifin remains with the Flames past the deadline.”

“Tampa is the most likely destination. Package could include prospects/picks, roster player to make it all work.”

“Vegas has looked at possibility of acquiring Hanifin.”

— James Johnson 🔥 (@JamesJohnsonYYC) March 6, 2024

The Tampa Bay Lightning are the frontrunners for Hanifin

In addition, he noted that the Tampa Bay Lightning are the preferred destination for Hanifin, which lines up with several reports that have come out over the past week.

Earlier today was the biggest indication that the Lightning are the frontrunners, as there may be an extension already on the table if the Flames can finalize the trade.

On today’s Real Kyper & Bourne @RealKyper says he’s heard that the Tampa Bay Lightning & Noah Hanifin have a contract extension in place IF the #Flames & #Lightning can come to terms on a deal. #NHL

— Logan Gordon (@Fan960Logan) March 5, 2024

If that’s the case, getting a haul of futures back from the Lightning would be intriguing. They don’t have the most stocked cupboards, but notable assets that could come back include the following.

• Prospects: Isaac Howard, Ethan Gauthier, Jack Finley, Niko Huuhtanen
• Draft Picks: 2026 first-round pick, 2025 second-round pick, 2026 second-round pick

A busy 2024 trade deadline for the Flames

With a Hanifin trade all but guaranteed, the New Jersey Devils circling around Jacob Markstrom, and any number of other deals we don’t know about yet, this year’s trade deadline will be busy for the Flames.

Conroy isn’t done yet.