Flames' Noah Hanifin Confirms Preferred Trade Destination to Calgary GM

Even though Noah Hanifin has just an eight team no-trade clause in his contract, he's doing his very best to voice exactly where he'd like to play not only for the rest of this season but beyond. According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, Hanifin has notified Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy that he prefers to be traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Now we wait to see if Conroy grants the wish.

The Lightning and Flames have been working on a deal for roughly two weeks now and so far there's been limited traction. Conroy is looking for a significant package for his mobile pending free-agent defenseman, however the Lightning don't necessarily have a ton to offer when it comes to NHL talent or prospects who are NHL ready.

While the Lightning remain at the top of the wish list for Hanifin, the Boston Bruins and now, Florida Panthers are involved and have turned a two-team race into a trio. Only the Lightning and Panthers can take on Hanifin without having Calgary retain salary, which is certainly becoming a major factor in trade talks.

So far this season, the 27-year-old blueliner has recorded 35 points in 60 games and plays top pair minutes and in every situation. Any contender is getting a complete stud defenseman and if he sticks around long term, someone they can rely on for years to come. Hanifin's looking to get traded and bunker down and doesn't want to move teams after this season. Look for the Lightning to make a giant push to the finish line before 3pm est on March 8.

"In Tampa, there definitely is a feeling that that is Noah Hanifin's preferred destination." - @FriedgeHNIC

The Lightning could be interested in Noah Hanifin, but a lack of assets remains an issue.@TonyLuftman | @EJHradek_NHL | #GoBolts | #NHLTonight pic.twitter.com/wt7dXbCDjj
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) March 2, 2024