The Lightning are being connected to one of the NHL's top trade candidates.
The Lightning are being connected to one of the NHL's top trade candidates.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are heading into the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline with the goal of improving their defense. This has been their primary objective since before star defenseman Mikhail Sergachev's latest injury, but now it's an even bigger need.
As a result, the Lightning have been browsing the trade market, as players like Sean Walker, Ilya Lyubushkin, Chris Tanev, and David Savard have been connected to them. However, it appears that they have a new target, as The Fourth Period reported in their latest Trade Watch List that the Bolts are linked to Calgary Flames star defenseman Noah Hanifin.
Hanifin, 27, is the top trade target in the NHL right now. This is because he is a top-pairing defenseman who contributes offensively and plays a steady game defensively. With Hanifin being a pending UFA, there's a good chance that the Flames will move him before the deadline if he does not sign an extension before then.
Hanifin would be a massive addition to the Lightning's roster if acquired. He would be an outstanding fit on their second pairing and would also be an option for both their power play and penalty kill.
If the Lightning were to add Hanifin, he would likely just be a rental for the remainder of this season, as they do not have much money to work with during the offseason. However, it would still be worth it, as he would be a major pickup for their playoff run.
Hanifin has appeared in 53 games this season with Calgary, where he has nine goals, 29 points, and a plus-10 rating.
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