Flames Top Defenseman Finished in Calgary

The Calgary Flames will be busy this offseason and it could all start by moving on from defenseman Noah Hanifin. According to reports, Hanifin has informed the team he's not interested in signing a contract extension this summer, meaning a trade is on the way.

Hanifin is in the final season of his deal, with a cap hit of $4.95 million. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2024.

The Flames blueliner is solid top-four option, when playing at his best, is a top-two d-man. AT 6-foot-3 Hanifin has great size and his skating ability is what sets him a part from others. Last season he recorded 38 points and has 50-point potential.

Calgary's new general manager Craig Conroy has a lot of work to do and there's little doubt Hanifin will now be moved as Conroy referenced the Johnny Gaudreau situation from last summer during his introductory press conference and made a point of letting the fan base know something like that wouldn't happen again.

Once the Flames GM gets a new contract completed for Elias Lindholm next month, look for Hanifin to be dealt. Maybe sooner. 

Photo credit:  Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports