Flames Rumors: 6 Potential Suitors Named For Noah Hanifin

Noah Hanifin is right near the top of just about everyone's trade boards as we head closer to the March 8th deadline. The Calgary Flames have been on-again / off-again with the impending unrestricted free agent all season as to whether he'll sign an extension or to move him in a trade. One thing is for certain — there are no shortage of suitors for the top-pairing D-man. 

Insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff has presented no less than six potential destinations for Hanifin if and when the Flames finally pull the trigger on a deal. But the veteran blueliner's $4.95 million cap hit will definitely be a topic of discussion in talks with some of the following:

Detroit Red Wings

This is one of the exceptions, as the Wings do have plenty of cap space available at the moment—over $8 million. If Detroit is planning to be a buyer and go for it, or if they believe they can re-sign him, they do have the assets to make the Flames a solid offer. 

New Jersey Devils

This is a team that's clearly looking to go on a deep run in this year's playoffs, with word that they just about struck a deal this past week for an expensive, top-line goaltender, and may still yet. Adding a front-line D-man like Hanifin would make a strong statement about their "all-in" attitude. Their current $9 million in available cap room doesn't hurt their chances either.

New York Islanders

The Isles could use another shot in the arm, and a big-time puck-mover like Hanifin could be just what they need. They have zero cap room, however, and would need the Flames to play the retention game big-time. 

Tampa Bay Lightning

Definitely a team looking for a boost on the blueline, the Lightning would love to have Hanifin, but as Seravalli points out, they likely don't have the assets to acquire him, nor the financial wiggle-room to potentially re-sign him.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Leafs have been mostly linked with the other notable Flames pending UFA defenseman, Chris Tanev, but if it was possible to convince Hanifin to re-sign in Toronto, he would be the better option. His noted preference to go to an American team likely rules the Leafs out, however.

Vegas Golden Knights

With Alec Martinez's $5.25 million cap hit coming off the books, the Golden Knights would be able to put that towards re-signing Hanafin after the season. And in the meantime, he'd provide a huge boost to a team looking to defend its title this spring.

We heard last week that the Hanifin camp will be sitting down with Flames management to make a decision on his future any day now. 

Hanifin has 28 points in 53 games this season, while logging close to 24 minutes a night. 

Photo: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports