The Calgary Flames Are No Closer to Trading Noah Hanifin

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin was the subject of trade speculation earlier in the off-season, but has there been much action?

It was assumed that Erik Karlsson's trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier this month would open up the market for Noah Hanifin. The 26-year-old defenseman has been the subject of off-season trade speculation after informing the Calgary Flames of his unwillingness to sign a contract extension.

So far, however, there's no indication the Flames are any closer to shipping Hanifin to a new club before training camp opens in a month's time.

In a recent mailbag segment, Sportsnet's Pat Steinberg indicated the Flames haven't yet received any suitable offers for Hanifin. He indicated there are too many clubs with limited salary cap space to take on the blueliner's $4.95-million cap hit.

Steinberg still considers Hanifin the Flames' top trade chip, citing his skill as a top-three defenseman. He believes a rearguard of his caliber should fetch “multiple strong assets” in a trade. Flames GM Craig Conroy has set his price and won't budge even if it means starting the season with Hanifin still on the roster.

If Hanifin is healthy and productive this season, the Flames could get a good return for him leading up to the March trade deadline. Teams that have accrued salary-cap space over the course of the season could also be in a better position to acquire him.

Steinberg thinks a team like the Buffalo Sabres or Detroit Red Wings could be a trade destination for Hanifin. Ann Kimmel suggested he'd be an appealing option for the Nashville Predators, but GM Barry Trotz might be reluctant to part with his most appealing prospects without another season to evaluate them fully.