Veteran defenseman likely to test free agency

The agents for Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin have informed the team that he will not sign an extension ahead of the March 8 trade deadline and instead intends to test unrestricted free agency this summer, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports on “Saturday Headlines.”

TSN’s Chris Johnston reported earlier in the month that Hanifin’s camp was expected to inform Flames GM Craig Conroy of his re-signing intentions in the coming days. 

Hanifin indicated last summer he was not willing to extend in Calgary, but became amenable to a deal closer to the beginning of the season and was reportedly offered an eight-year deal with a $7.5M AAV shortly thereafter.

That deal was still on the table by all indications heading into their discussions in February, but Hanifin likely believes he can attract richer offers over the summer — or with a new squad in the coming months. 

He’ll now surely be dealt by the deadline and, at 27 years old, becomes the top rental option remaining on the market at any position with Penguins winger Jake Guentzel injured.

With one foot in the “stay in Calgary” door, there haven’t been many documented suitors for Hanifin in recent weeks. The Coyotes had demonstrated interest earlier in the season, but a 2-7-1 stretch in their last 10 games has them far out of the playoff picture and takes them out of the conversation for making a rental acquisition.

Some contenders and playoff hopefuls with obvious holes on defense, such as the Maple Leafs and Lightning, would likely be willing to give up assets for Hanifin without a guarantee of an extension. 

The minute-munching defender, who has 30 points and a +11 rating in 54 contests, carries a reasonable cap hit of $4.95M, although that’s still likely too much to swallow for most contenders without moving money the other way.

It’s worth noting that Hanifin has some control over his short-term destiny. His deal affords him an eight-team no-trade list, per CapFriendly. Whether Hanifin would consider an extension with his post-deadline team is unclear.

The coming weeks will end a six-year tenure for Hanifin in Calgary. The Flames acquired him, along with Elias Lindholm, from the Hurricanes in a June 2018 blockbuster, sending Micheal Ferland, Dougie Hamilton and the signing rights to future Rangers superstar Adam Fox in return.

Hanifin’s averaged a career-high 23:44 this season, and his 0.56 points per game is the second-highest mark of his career. His expected +1.3 rating is pedestrian compared to recent seasons, however, as is his career-worst Corsi for percentage of 49.6 at even strength.