Noah Hanifin reportedly traded to Western Conference team

When Calgary Dlames defenseman, Noah Hanifin turned down a contract extension worth nearly $50 million. It was no longer a matter of if he'd be traded, it became a matter of when. The Flames as a team are in a difficult situation with multiple free agents, none of which plan on returning. Now ahead of this year's trade deadline, it became clear that Hanifin was going to be the top player available.

The smooth skating puck moving defender has all the tools that it takes to be successful in the NHL. He's the type of defender that most teams would dream of building their defense core around. Now after spending the last 6 years in Calgary, Hanifin is off to

NHL insider Ryan Leslie has confirmed the Calgary Flames appear to be trading Hanifin to the Vegas Golden Knights.




Hanifin brings a skill set that will certainly help Vegas push to repeat. Hanifin made it clear from the beginning that he'd hoped to be traded to an American team and used his modified trade protection to push this deal.

Throughout the process, the Flames also made it clear they weren't just going to give him away and clearly did not do so. This deal appears to work for both of these teams and should make the Golden Knights a much more difficult team to play against in the playoffs.

Update: Elliotte Friedman confirms


Hanifin appears to be signing an extension as well.


Friedman disputes this.