Trade talks involving Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin have expanded to include multiple teams, with the Arizona Coyotes entering the fray alongside the New York Islanders and Boston Bruins. However, a compelling twist has surfaced in the ongoing negotiations. There is speculation that Hanifin has a preference for joining the Bruins, introducing an element of uncertainty for other potential trade partners who may hesitate if he is destined for Boston.
Insider Renaud Lavoie of TVA, speaking on Sportsnet radio, highlighted potential challenges faced by the Flames in completing a trade. The apparent obstacle lies in Hanifin's strong desire to don the Bruins jersey and secure a long-term deal with the team. If accurate, this revelation transforms him from a potential long-term acquisition to a rental player, altering the trade dynamics.
The Bruins have maintained an interest in Hanifin since as far back as 2015. While they may be open to a trade, their willingness to part with significant assets may hinge on the possibility of him signing with the team during the upcoming summer. This raises the crucial question of evaluating the value of having Hanifin for the current season's playoff run.
