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.

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.