Great article!
The only thing I don't agree with is moving on from Hanifin given his contract's cost certainty. There could always be someone that comes along and blows you away with an offer, so I wouldn't say he's untouchable, but he's far down the list of roster changes I would be looking to make. I would much rather see if either he or Valimaki can play on the right side if Valimaki is ready for more minutes. I think Hanifin could play Brodie's role on the right with Gio (as he is also a great skater) while Valimaki moves up to play with Hamonic, leaving Andersson & Kylington as an offensive minded third pairing. Stone or if someone is interested for a mid-pick/B-prospect for him, perhaps a cheaper guy like Fantenberg would be the 7th.
Besides Zucker, what other snarly top 6 forwards would you guys hope the Flames are kicking tires on? Personally, I would like them to try to pry Mantha out of Detroit though I doubt they would move him as Detroit is typically patient with their player development. I just see him as primed for a Lindholm-like offensive jump next year (contract year on his bridge deal).
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