Report: Flames D Noah Hanifin is Finished in Calgary

According to hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin is heading for the trade market. The two sides have been in contract extension talks throughout most of this season and Flames GM Craig Conroy laid out his best extension offer, but it's not been good enough for Hanifin to sign in Calgary long term. A trade is expected before the March 8 deadline.

Hanifin will be the best defensemen available when it comes to pending free agents. There's already been a ton of interest in the 27-year-old and now with his name 'fully' out there, talks with intensify in the coming weeks. Look for Conroy to try and land at least one first-round pick, a top prospect, a conditional draft pick, and ideally a four piece if possible. 

Hanifin has appeared in 55 games this season, recording nine goals and 30 points. He holds an eight-trade no-trade clause and is owed a very reasonable $4.95 million AAV this season. If Conroy bites on retaining some salary in the deal, the return could skyrocket to an even more significant return.

Hanifin plays top-pair minutes, all situations and has been one of the best all-around d-men in the league the past couple of seasons. The former fifth-overall pick has been linked to the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vegas Golden Knights and Tampa Bay Lightning. Friedman has pointed out for sometime that it may be Hanifin's preference to play long-term in America, however there are Canadian teams interested which likely imply the Maple Leafs and perhaps the Vancouver Canucks.

Photo credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports