CLOSED DEAL: Insider Confirms Bold Trade Bid by Maple Leafs For Another Top Star Player
According to Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs recently made a trade proposal to the Calgary Flames with hopes of acquiring defenseman Noah Hanifin.
This move comes amidst reports that Hanifin intends to explore free agency, with speculation suggesting he’s inclined towards teams in the United States. While this confirmation from the NHL insider is somewhat surprising, there’s been considerable discussion regarding the Tampa Bay Lightning as potential suitors, although replicating Calgary’s trade for Elias Lindholm poses challenges for them.
Despite Toronto’s interest and desire to gauge Hanifin’s potential for signing, indications point towards him favoring a move to the U.S. in the long term. Understanding his preferred destinations is crucial for interested teams. Although not officially confirmed, there are suggestions that the Leafs inquired but were informed they might not align well with Hanifin’s long-term plans. Consequently, the Maple Leafs may need to shift their focus to other defensemen options, such as revisiting Chris Tanev or exploring alternatives that are more cost-effective before the March 8 trade deadline.
Additionally, the Flames may have rejected the Leafs’ overtures, as the latter has reportedly attempted to acquire their primary targets by offering multiple lower-end draft picks instead of surrendering a first-rounder. However, responses from other teams to such offers have been lukewarm at best.
Hanifin Rumors to the Bruins Picking Up
Jimmy Murphy from Boston Hockey Now hinted on Thursday about Noah Hanifin’s future, suggesting there’s something noteworthy regarding potential interest from the Bruins. With the Flames facing the Bruins that night, Murphy posed the question of which team Hanifin would leave the Saddledome with.
The Bruins have reportedly had their sights on Hanifin since his draft year and have attempted to acquire him on multiple occasions. Given Hanifin’s ties to Boston as a local product, it’s reasonable to believe the Bruins are frontrunners in this scenario.
If Hanifin does end up in Boston, not only would Toronto miss out on acquiring him, but the Maple Leafs might also have to contend with him more frequently during the season and possibly in the playoffs.