Quote:
Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy
I like Hanifin, I just don't think he has the upside, especially offensively, that we'd hoped. I could be wrong.
I'd be OK flipping him for a good young top 6 forward, or as part of a package to get a really good, young C.
Risky though, especially since he's one of only 3 regular Flames Dmen still under contract going forward.
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I think the upside is definitely there. The thing is it's hard to see it playing behind Gio. In the 8 games that Gio missed where Hanifin and Andersson stepped in to be the top pairing, here were their numbers.
Hanifin:5A, +3
Andersson: 1G 3A, +4
and if I'm not mistaken that includes the one atrocious game that saw him end up a -4 or something like that.
So small sample size, yes, but 5 points in 8 games and a +3 is pretty good totals for playing first pairing minutes. And that is not being sheltered defensively either. That equals a 50 point season and +30.
I think starting next year the flames should be deploying a Hanifin - Andersson pair as like the 1A. Gio and hopefully Brodie but whoever they retain to play with him (please god don't keep Hamonic) would be 1B and roll out Valimaki - Kylington as the sheltered third pair. (I believe it's been mentioned before that Kylington played RD in sweden and is comfortable on that side.)