Despite the looming 2024 NHL trade deadline still two days away, general managers have been exceptionally active on Wednesday, orchestrating numerous trades throughout the league.
The latest entrant into this flurry of activity is the Vegas Golden Knights, reportedly finalizing a significant deal with the Calgary Flames to acquire highly sought-after defenseman Noah Hanifin. Elliotte Friedman broke the news live on TNT’s NHL Face Off.
While the specifics of the deal have yet to be disclosed, multiple sources suggest that negotiations will commence between the Golden Knights and Hanifin regarding a potential contract extension. This extension could potentially keep the impending unrestricted free agent in Las Vegas beyond the current season.
Hanifin has been a stalwart for the Flames over the past six seasons, featuring in 420 games and amassing 191 points. Notably, he leads all Calgary defensemen this season with 35 points, including 11 goals, in 61 games.
At 27 years old, Hanifin is in the final season of his six-year, $29.7 million contract with the Flames and was poised to enter free agency in the offseason.
This acquisition marks the Golden Knights’ second move ahead of the trade deadline, following their earlier acquisition of Anthony Mantha in a deal with the Washington Capitals. With Washington retaining 50% of Mantha’s salary in that trade, Vegas remains financially flexible to absorb Hanifin’s $4.95 million salary.
