It's as simple as this: If you acquire Hanifin, you are acquiring a player that should NOT be in your top pairing, ideally. Perhaps he takes a big step if he is considered the "big dog". He's always been behind someone, from Slavin to Giordano to Weegar. Perhaps he doesn't take that big step. I view him as an Orlov comparable; more than capable of playing top pairing minutes, as long as he isn't the #1 guy (Carlson in WSH was the guy). Orlov did extremely well playing for the Caps pre-trade and then exploded even more in Boston because he was behind H. Lindholm.
With his age and cap hit, whether 0% or 50% retention, all 31 teams can use Hanifin's service(s). He could be a key cog for a rebuilding team who is in search of a stopgap top pairing guy until they get their franchise d-man to bump him down. Or, a contending team could use him to make a big push with him as a middle pairing defender who can also step in when injuries happen. Because we all know those happen.
I think that is why Conroy is being patient. Lots of dominos have still not fallen, and he doesn't HAVE to be the first.
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