NHLTR Mock Trade: Calgary Flames Trade Noah Hanifin to the Pittsburgh Penguins

Welcome to NHLTR mock trade series where we will showcase a potential 2023 offseason trade. From minor moves to major transactions, everything will be covered as we try to predict how the chips may fall this summer across the NHL.

For today's segment we head to the Calgary Flames front office to check in on new general manager Craig Conroy. He wasn't even a couple of months on the job before he's dealt with a major blow to the team's defense core. Word is Noah Hanifin has informed management he prefers to sign elsewhere next summer and will be hitting the open market. The trade rumors are swirling around potential destinations and here's one mock trade involving Hanifin to consider:

NHLTR Mock Trade: Flames deal Noah Hanifin and the 16th pick in the 2023 draft to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Pierre-Olivier Joseph, Mikael Granlund and the 14th pick.

Flames perspective: Conroy's leverage is minimal as any team acquiring Hanifin will want to ensure a contract extension is coming next. Nobody is going to trade assets for uncertainty. Calgary would be getting back an NHL ready defenseman who has top-four potential, Granlund who can help provide some secondary scoring and is a versatile forward. They would also be moving up two spots in the draft which could provide more ammo for another move at the draft.

Penguins perspective: Kyle Dubas is looking to refresh the Penguins defense core and Hanifin gives him a stud to build around who can play on the top pair. Losing Joseph hurts a bit, but with Ty Smith also waiting in the wings, it's a manageable loss. Dubas loves moving down in drafts and this trade is right up his ally way. Granlund was brought in by Hextall and wasn't a player coach Mike Sullivan wanted on his team. Regardless if the Penguins make this trade, look for Granlund to be moved from Pittsburgh.