After talks were paused with a deal near completion in mid-November, it makes sense for the club to be completely clear on all options, whether it's to keep the big-minute defenceman or a potential trade
With the season’s midway point clearly in view and the March 8 trade deadline visible on the horizon, the Calgary Flames are closing in on the hard decisions with their crew of pending unrestricted free agents, notably centre Elias Lindholm and defencemen Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin.
While the most likely scenario appears that trio will be traded away — which should bring back healthy returns — the Flames reportedly are again talking to Hanifin about an extension.
Makes perfect sense for multiple reasons.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday night the sides are again discussing a potential deal. They were apparently close to agreeing to an eight-year deal worth around $60 million in mid-November, but Hanifin’s camp reportedly pulled back because of the club’s early season struggles.
Friedman said on Hockey Night in Canada: “I thought earlier in the year there was no way they were going to pick this back up again; he wasn’t going to stay. I don’t think it’s out of the question, but I just wouldn’t want to put odds on it.”
Whether they come to terms remains to be seen, but of that trio, a case could be made Hanifin is the highest priority.
The defenceman will turn 27 later this month, so a long-term deal would put him into his early-to-mid-30s, which offers better odds his game will remain at a high level throughout the deal. By comparison, the other player keen on a lengthy contract, Elias Lindholm, is already 29 years old.
Tanev celebrated his 34th birthday last month.
The Flames have reasons to trade them all in a significant retool, they also have reasons to keep all three. Of ultra-importance, the money and length of deals must make sense.
Hanifin could be the one most valued to keep in the fold. He’s on-pace for around 40 points yet again, and has the size and skill to play big minutes — more than 23 per game — in all situations.
As much as fans may want more offensive production or rail on his defensive play at times, blueliners with Hanifin’s skillset are difficult to find.
Sure, Hanifin will likely never be in the Norris Trophy mix, but nearly every club could use a player of his calibre. Frankly, the Flames do not have an obvious replacement in the wings, so chasing one down via free agency will be just as costly, maybe even moreso.
Another reason to be absolutely clear about Hanifin’s demands is to help with a potential trade. A sign-and-trade deal could even be an option as the Flames look to maximize their return.
A deal shaking down in that manner may also be the same case for Lindholm, who is also hunting for a long-term, big money pact.
So while those on Team Tank may question whether negotiations should be ongoing, don’t rush to a conclusion it means the Flames will keep Hanifin or Lindholm in the fold.
There are still two months for the chapter to play out.