Erin Hooley/AP
Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin warms up before an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Chicago.
Published Wednesday, March 6, 2024 | 4:23 p.m.
Updated Wednesday, March 6, 2024 | 8:10 p.m.
The Golden Knights are closing in on making one of the biggest splashes of the trade deadline, acquiring defenseman Noah Hanifin from the Calgary Flames tonight.
Sportsnet was first to report that a potential deal was incoming, which was later confirmed by multiple sources to the Sun.
Hanifin, 27, is in the final year of a six-year contract at $29.7 million (average annual value of $4.95 million). Discussions of a contract extension have been discussed, but nothing has been finalized, according to sources. Hanifin can sign a maximum eight-year extension with Vegas.
The Golden Knights are sending defenseman Daniil Miromanov to Calgary along with a first-round pick and a conditional third-round pick. Vegas is sending this year's fifth-round pick to the Philadelphia Flyers as part of retaining salary on Hanifin's deal.
The first-round pick going to Calgary is currently for 2025, but that could change. It can become a 2026 first if the Golden Knights trade that pick before Friday's noon deadline. The third-round pick from this year's draft will upgrade to a second if the Golden Knights win a round in this year's playoffs.
The Flames are retaining 50% of Hanifin's salary, while the Flyers and Golden Knights are retaining the other 25%. So, the Golden Knights are acquiring Hanifin for approximately $1.2 million.
It's a move that comes as a surprise, considering the Golden Knights were not initially in the market for a defenseman. However, veteran Alec Martinez was placed on injured reserve prior to today's practice and is expected to be out for at least a week.
Ben Hutton will take his place in the lineup, on the left side of Alex Pietrangelo, on Thursday when the Golden Knights host the Vancouver Canucks (7 p.m., Vegas 34).
Hanifin, the fifth overall pick from the 2015 draft by Carolina, has 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 61 games. He is one of the best all-around left defensemen in the league and is expected to be paired with Pietrangelo when he arrives.
The Boston native was the fifth overall pick in the 2015 draft — the same draft where current Vegas center Jack Eichel was taken No. 2 overall.
The Golden Knights have used five draft picks and one reserve player to acquire forward Anthony Mantha and Hanifin over the last 24 hours. With time remaining before Friday's trade deadline, Vegas is not expected to be finished.
They are still in the running for Pittsburgh forward Jake Guentzel, the top remaining trade asset on the market, as well as St. Louis forward Pavel Buchnevich. They have also been in discussion with New Jersey regarding forward Tyler Toffoli and have looked into Vegas native Jason Zucker with the Arizona Coyotes, according to sources.
The Golden Knights have roughly $3.8 million in available cap space to make one more move.
Danny Webster can be reached at 702-259-8814 or [email protected]. Follow Danny on X at twitter.com/DannyWebster21.
