Noah Hanifin and Dan Vladar appear on Daily Faceoff’s latest trade targets list
By Ryan Pike
10 months agoWe’re about to enter what’s expected to be a very busy period for transactions throughout the National Hockey League, between anticipated trades, the draft, buyouts, qualifying offers and free agency itself. In advance of this chaos, Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli has updated his trade targets list.
Appearing prominently on the list are Calgary Flames blueliner Noah Hanifin and goaltender Dan Vladar.
Here’s what Seravalli had to say about Hanifin:
Scoop: The early indication, at least for the time being, is that new GM Craig Conroy is gauging the market on Hanifin in the event that the Boston native chooses to not sign a contract extension in Calgary. To our knowledge, there’s been no firm or final decision made on that position just yet. But given Conroy’s edict at his initial press conference, the Flames will want proper “asset management” on any player heading into the last year of his deal, wanting to avoid that player walking for nothing as a free agent. Hanifin’s game has grown by leaps and bounds in Calgary, recognized as a defenseman whose value is significantly above his current cap hit.
Hanifin, 26, is entering the final year of a six year deal that carries a $4.95 million cap hit. Since arriving in Calgary in a draft-weekend trade with Carolina back in 2018, he’s been really, really good for the Flames.
Seravalli’s assessment of the situation comes on the heels of Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman saying “The Flames have not confirmed any of this, so I’ll say that straight out, but I will say that there’s a feeling out there that Hanifin is going to be available,” and The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun writing “All signs point to defenseman Noah Hanifin not wanting to extend with the Flames, so that situation is likely headed for a trade.” There appears to be a general tone of pessimism regarding Hanifin’s long-term future with the Flames, though the degree of pessimism (and the details) vary a little bit. Our pal Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 termed it “uncertain at best” last week on Flames Talk.
And here’s the rundown on Vladar:
Scoop: New Flames GM Craig Conroy acknowledged on Frankly Speaking that Dustin Wolf has earned an NHL opportunity after putting up monster numbers in the AHL. It would stand to reason then that opportunity would come at the cost of Vladar, who many saw as a future No. 1 in the NHL. He’s locked up for two more seasons at a very cost effective $2.2 million, which makes him a highly tradable commodity if the belief is shared that he can take on a bigger load than the third of a season he played last year. And he might be more attractive, especially for cap teams, than one of the free agents available.
Vladar’s a good young goaltender that’s cost controlled, while Dustin Wolf remains waiting in the wings for his opportunity.
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