NHL Insider Reveals Noah Hanifin's Preferred Trade Destination

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Graham Montgomery
February 21, 2024 (11:03 PM)

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Noah Hanifin is an interesting player to keep an eye on as we approach the trade deadline. In fact, today we got a major hint at what could be in store for the 27-year-old defenseman.

Insider Reveals Top Trade Destination For Flames Defenseman

Frank Seravalli revealed today that Hanifin would prefer to go to the Tampa Bay Lightning. It seems as though they are his number one trade destination and if he does not get moved there, he will likely sign with the team in the summer. As such, the pressure is on the Flames to make a deal happen.

This lines up with other reports as well. TSN reporter Chris Johnston recently hinted that the Lightning may be top contenders to land Hanifin as they quietly work out a deal behind the scenes.

"As we look for destinations where he [Hanifin] might land there's a number of teams with interest but keep your eye on the Tampa Bay Lightning . They're always the stealth operators at the deadline and they're believed to be looking at him with Mikhail Sergachev out injured."

Florida Teams In Bidding War For Top Flames Defenseman

All of that being said, trades are rarely so simple. Other teams are going to be interested in adding Hanifin. In fact, the Lightning may be facing a challenge from their Neighbors in the Florida Panthers. Recent reports have linked the team to the player.

NEW: The Panthers have been linked to pending UFA defenseman Noah Hanifin ahead of the trade deadline.

I reached out to a couple experts for their take on what a potential deal could look like and how he'd fit in with Florida.

Furthermore, other teams have reportedly expressed interest in Hanifin including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins. While Tampa Bay seems like the most likely destination right now, things can change quickly.

As seen on REPORT: Noah Hanifin's No-Trade List Revealed