Quote:
Originally Posted by Bingo
I agree with most of what you are saying, but don't see Hanifin in that logic.
He's young enough to be super effective for the entirety of his next contract.
And with the team being an undesirable UFA destination that makes signing him more logical, as he'll be harder to replace.
100% agreement when it comes to say Lindholm's extension though.
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Hanifin will be hard to replace, no doubt. But not impossible. Maybe Kylington bounces back and fills that smooth skating #3/#4 role? Maybe Poirier takes his spot on the PP and one of Soloviev/Kuznetsov take over his defensive duties? Lots of things can happen when you open doors.
I'm sure we all had similar thoughts about Brodie, but with time we have a lot more perspective and I think few would pay him what the Leafs did if the Flames had a do-over.
Retain Hanifin long term for what purpose? So he can continue to do a competent job as our #3/#4? While remaining a middling team overall?
I just don't see the point. You lock up that cap space and roster spot for top talent, not second pairing guys who skate well.
And when that player's value is at its highest point, it just makes it all the more apparent that this is the time to cash in.