Over the past week, the chatter has seemingly not stopped surrounding the future of Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin, and with the trade deadline drawing near, it's becoming more and more clear just where the 27-year old is heading.
We've heard the reports that Hanifin was willing to extend with the Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, and while that doesn't force GM Craig Conroy's hand, it certainly limits offers from teams not on that list. Now, NHL Insider Kevin Weekes has revealed that it's the Florida Panthers pushing hardest for Hanifin,
👀 Although their are several other clubs in the mix, I’m told the @FlaPanthers are making a push for @NHLFlames D Hanifin. Have to wonder if/ how this impacts 2 of their core D pending UFA’s Forsling & Montour. #HockeyX #Flames #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/Mn2jfLD9ff
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) March 2, 2024
After moving Elias Lindholm, Tyler Toffoli, Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov, Hanifin is the final UFA domino to fall for Calgary, and with several Eastern Conference teams lining up for a potential sign-and-trade, the next week becomes that much more interesting. In his last 10 games, Hanifin has tallied 3 goals and 6 assists, playing his best hockey with the deadline approaching, and with the Panthers looking to make a Stanley Cup push, they may be willing to part with some big assets for such an impactful player.
Just because of this report however, we can't count out the likes of Tampa Bay, Boston or even dark-horse teams like Los Angeles or Vegas, but for now, it appears the Panthers are pushing in all their chips to go one step further in 2023-24.