NHL Trade: Vegas Golden Knights acquire Noah Hanifin from the Calgary Flames
The Flames acquired Hanifin in exchange for a first-round pick that they can use in the 2025 or 2026 NHL Draft and a third-round pick that might move up to the second round. In addition to Hanifin, the Golden Knights also obtained Mikhail Vorobyov’s signing rights.
The importance of obtaining a premium draft pick in the trade was stressed by Flames General Manager Craig Conroy. “It was extremely important to us to ensure this deal featured a first-round draft pick, and a third-round pick that has the potential to become a second-round selection,” said Conroy.
The Golden Knights are in the process of extending Hanifin’s contract, but it might not happen right away. The alleged agreement’s initial terms were eight years and a $7.5 million average yearly value.
The week was hectic for the Golden Knights, including this transaction. With their long-term injury reserve (LTIR) space, they had previously acquired Anthony Mantha from the Washington Capitals. Kelly McCrimmon, the general manager, has taken the initiative to bolster the team’s squad, saying that the goal is to win, not just win hockey.
With Hanifin joining the team, Vegas’s defense, which already has exceptional players like Shea Theodore, Alec Martinez, Brayden McNabb, Zach Whitecloud, and Alex Pietrangelo, is greatly improved. With Hanifin’s arrival, their blue line gains more nuance and adaptability.
The Philadelphia Flyers, a third team, helped to enable Hanifin’s purchase, which included a 75% salary retention clause. With this move, the Golden Knights are able to better control their wage cap.
With Hanifin on board, the Golden Knights shouldn’t anticipate stopping. The team is looking into more additions using their LTIR space now that Mark Stone is not playing. Forwards like Jake Guentzel and Pavel Buchnevich have been connected to them. Placing Alec Martinez on LTIR might allow for more cap room to be available for a big transaction.
Calgary’s general manager, Craig Conroy, is still adding value to the team through trades involving upcoming unrestricted free players. With the addition of Hanifin, this plan has expanded from the trades of Chris Tanev, Elias Lindholm, and Nikita Zadorov. As they look to the future, the Flames are obviously intent on accumulating long-term assets.
The addition of Noah Hanifin to the Vegas Golden Knights’ roster strengthens their defensive depth and puts them in a solid postseason position. The Golden Knights show their dedication to quick success with yet another high-profile acquisition, while the Flames keep rebuilding by adding future players. If Vegas makes any more changes to bolster their squad in preparation for a championship run, it will be evident in the coming weeks.