Golden Knights acquire Noah Hanifin from Flames in three-team trade

The defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights, in a tight battle to make the playoffs, added to their defense on Wednesday by acquiring Noah Hanifin from the Calgary Flames.

In return, the Flames received defenseman Daniil Miromanov, a conditional first-round draft pick (either in 2025 or '26) and a conditional 2024 third-round pick that would become a second-rounder if the Golden Knights win a playoff series this season.

The Philadelphia Flyers, involved as a third party in the deal, receive Vegas' fifth-round pick this year.

Hanifin, 27, might end up as a short-term rental for the Golden Knights as he is headed toward unrestricted free agency following the season. He had 11 goals and 24 assists in 61 game this season for Calgary, which will retain half of Hanifin's salary.

In nine NHL seasons for the Carolina Hurricanes (2015-16 to 2017-18) and the Flames (2018-19 to 2023-24), Hanifin has 60 goals and 214 assists in 659 games.

Miromanov, 26, has seen spot duty with the Golden Knights over each of the past three seasons, including four games (no points) this season. He has two goals and five assists in 29 career NHL games. In five games this season for Vegas' AHL affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights, Miromanov has one goal and five assists.

Flames general manager Craig Conroy said in a statement, "It was extremely important to us to ensure this deal featured a first-round draft pick, and a third-round pick that has the potential to become a second-round selection.

"Additionally, we have been tracking Daniil the past couple of seasons and we are pleased to have been able to ensure he was a part of this trade. He has good size at 6-4 with good skating ability and speed. He commands a heavy shot, makes quick plays and we are excited about his offensive upside. At the AHL level he has been dominant in creating offence as a defenseman and we anticipate that to translate to the NHL."

Earlier Wednesday, the Golden Knights added forward Anthony Mantha in a trade with the Washington Capitals.