Quote:
Originally Posted by devo22
I think "I don't want to play for the Flames" and "I'm not sure I want to commit for 8 years" are two completely different things. Pretty sure Hanifin is firmly in the second bracket, and I get it - there's uncertainty right now as to where this team is going. I've always liked Hanifin and I have no ill will towards him whatsoever if he decides to move on. If Conroy has his answer, there's more than enough time to facilitate a trade and work on a possible sign-and-trade.
I fully expect Hanifin to fetch a very, very healthy return, especially with an extension in place. As much as I like Noah, this is exciting ... in addition to the Lindholm and Tanev trades, it could set the Flames up extremely well for the future.
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I can definitely see a situation where Hanifin doesn't necessarily want the upheaval of moving, or dealing with the uncertainties of free agency, but he may also be wary of committing long term with the team venturing into unknown territory.
They talked about it on Barn Burner yesterday though, that it's not like Hanifin would be untradeable in 2 or 3 years. Maybe Hanifin decides giving it a try with the new guys coming in, but with the caveat that if after a few seasons it isn't going the direction he wants, the Flames can do their best to trade him at that point.