Flames Trade Noah Hanifin to Vegas Golden Knights in NHL Deal
In a surprising move, the Calgary Flames have decided to trade defenseman Noah Hanifin to the Vegas Golden Knights, according to league sources. This trade has sent shockwaves through the NHL community, as Hanifin was considered the No. 1 ranked player on The Athletic’s trade board.
Hanifin, who was the No. 5 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes, spent three seasons with the Hurricanes before being traded to the Flames in the summer of 2018. Alongside Elias Lindholm, Hanifin was exchanged for Dougie Hamilton, Micheal Ferland, and Adam Fox. Following the trade, Hanifin and the Flames agreed to a six-year, $29.7 million contract.
During his time with the Flames, Hanifin has showcased his skills on both ends of the ice. In the current season, he has recorded 11 goals and 35 points in 61 games. However, despite his contributions, the Flames find themselves in sixth place in the Pacific Division with a record of 30-26-5.
With this trade, the Flames will not only lose Hanifin but also Chris Tanev, as they recently traded him to the Dallas Stars. Tanev was known for his defensive abilities while Hanifin provided offensive contributions through his skating and goal-scoring. Hanifin’s 11 goals this season mark a career-high for him. Additionally, he ranks second on the team in average ice time with 23 minutes and 46 seconds.
Hanifin’s departure from Calgary was somewhat expected due to the team’s need to shed assets for a retooling phase. Speculation about his future has been circulating since last summer, particularly concerning his pending unrestricted free agent status. However, there were also reports in the early stages of the 2023-24 season that Hanifin was close to signing an eight-year contract worth almost $60 million to remain with the Flames.
This trade has undoubtedly left Flames fans with mixed emotions. On one hand, they are losing a talented defenseman who brought offensive firepower to the team. On the other hand, it opens up opportunities for the Flames to rebuild and potentially acquire new assets to strengthen their roster.
As for the Vegas Golden Knights, they are acquiring a skilled defenseman who will undoubtedly bolster their defensive lineup. Hanifin’s presence on the ice will provide valuable contributions to the team’s overall performance and help solidify their playoff aspirations.
Overall, this unexpected trade between the Calgary Flames and Vegas Golden Knights marks a significant change in the NHL landscape. Both teams will now need to adjust to their new rosters and strategize accordingly for the remainder of the season. It remains to be seen how this trade will ultimately impact the performance and success of both teams moving forward.