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NHL Rumors: Murray tough to trade, Hellebuyck stumbling block, Hanifin hometown hope

By Marci Rubin

Apr 22, 2023; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) warms up before a game against the Vegas Golden Knights in game three of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2023; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) warms up before a game against the Vegas Golden Knights in game three of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 4, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (55) during the face off against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (55) during the face off against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

NHL trade rumors: Noah Hanifin

Noah Hanifin is a potential trade chip for the Calgary Flames. The latest report on the Hanifin front is that the Boston Bruins are interested in the two-way defenseman, a Massachusetts native. Hanifin played one season for Boston College. The question is: can the Bruins afford him?

Elliotte Friedman believes Hanifin wants to play for a team in the US. Since Hanifin is due to become a UFA after next season, it would be wise for Calgary to trade him before then so that they get a return instead of losing him for nothing.

The 26-year-old defenseman is in his prime. Hanifin is known for moving the puck. He regularly contributes assists, including on the power play. Hanifin blocked 129 shots during the 2022-23 regular season. He’d surely be a big upgrade for a team looking to boost their blue line.

If the Bruins want Hanifin, they need to make the cap space for him. This is a team that has been the subject of conversations about lack of cap space. They cleared some space by shedding winger Taylor Hall. The Bruins aren’t done addressing their salary cap crunch. GM Don Sweeney will have to make some magic happen.

Besides the Bruins, another other team reportedly interested in Hanifin is the Florida Panthers. They’re looking to add a defenseman. Pierre LeBrun doesn’t seem to think that the Panthers have the best shot at landing Hanifin, though. Other teams that could be interested in Hanifin are the New York Rangers and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Hanifin is likely to be moved this offseason.

Trade talks surrounding these three players will continue.

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