Flames defenceman willing to re-sign with team despite report he wanted to leave

Published September 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM
BY COOPER GODIN

There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Calgary Flames heading into the 2023-24 season, but in particular with several key players who are on expiring contracts.

Earlier this summer, it was reported that many of those players weren't willing to re-sign with the team in 2024, including forward Elias Lindholm and defenceman Noah Hanifin. In an interview in Sweden, Lindholm said he was willing to re-sign and now it appears that Noah Hanifin is as well.

Hanifin told Sportsnet's Eric Francis that he's willing to re-sign with the Calgary Flames, but wants to take his time and see how the year plays out first before putting pen to paper.

"I just want to see how this year kind of played out a little bit and take my time a little bit." Hanifin said.



Back in June, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that Noah Hanifin informed the Flames that he wanted to return to the United States and play for an American franchise. It's unclear it that will come via trade or when he hits the open market on July 1st, 2024, if he doesn't re-sign with the Flames.

"Hanifin has indicated he would like to go back to the United States. Look, he's a year away from unrestricted free agency, and when you become a UFA you've earned the right to make your call. I've got no problem with that. And Hanifin had let them know that that was the way he was going, so they knew about that." Friedman said in late June.

Hanifin, a native of Boston, will be entering his sixth season with the Calgary Flames after being traded to them by Carolina in 2018. In 81 games last season, the 26-year-old had 38 points (seven goals, 31 assists), 33 penalty minutes and was a plus-two.

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September 15   |   46 answers
Flames defenceman willing to re-sign with team despite report he wanted to leave

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