Figured it would be nice to learn more about Noah Hanifin and funny enough on June 21 THW published a great article as to why the Devils should go after him. Here are some takeaways.
Although he’s only 21 years old, Hanifin has already played three full NHL seasons, showing improvement in each year. For example, his point totals have increased in each season — from 22 to 29 to 32. His game has also taken a positive step forward at five-on-five.
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I mentioned Hanifin’s point totals above. They may not seem impressive but have also improved at five-on-five. In each of the last three seasons, his points per 60 minutes (P/60) has increased — from 0.61 to 0.69 to 1.07. That latter number puts him with the likes of Seth Jones, Morgan Rielly, and P.K. Subban.
In comparison to current Devils’ defensemen, Hanifin’s 1.07 P/60 would be the best on the team. Will Butcher had the best production at five-on-five in 2017-18, averaging 0.97 P/60. The second best was Damon Severson, who finished scoring at a rate of 0.84 P/60.
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Even though Hanifin needs to improve on defense, his offense would prove valuable. He’s one of the best defensemen in the league at creating controlled entries into the offensive zone.
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Most 21-year-old defensemen available through trades aren’t cheap, and Hanifin wouldn’t be any different. His contract status, age, improving numbers, and draft position three years ago means the Hurricanes won’t give him up for a bag of pucks. He’s a proven NHLer and fits the Devils’ long-term plans. As long as a trade doesn’t mortgage the future, he’d be a worthy upgrade for the Devils’ blue line.
Hope this helps some learn more about Hanifin and his overall value. For myself, I'm more excited after reading this then I was before
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Older article I edited and added a blurb in his draft eligible year, back when I was still doing some sportswriting on the side (have taken a break last couple of years):
Quick excerpt:
"I still recall one of the first full games I watched Hanifin play. It was video from afar, but there was no doubting his scintillating skating ability in that World U17 Hockey Challenge gold medal win for USA. I thought this was the best skating blueliner I’ve ever seen at that age group."
The top ranked defenceman in the 2015 draft and 3rd overall ranked NA skater in 2015 NHL Central Scouting's final rankings (behind only McDavid and Eichel). It is absolutely laughable that there are so many on this site crying about Fox's potential as a future NHLer and summarily dismissing Hanifin's potential because he only played 4D minutes as a 20 y.o. in the NHL.
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Location: F*** me. We're so f***ing good, you check the f***ing standings? Lets f***ing go! F***ing practice!
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Not happy to see he has been EXTREMELY sheltered in Carolina (63.1% offensive zone starts) and still has defensive problems but he is young so hopefully he gets better with more experience.
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The top ranked defenceman in the 2015 draft and 3rd overall ranked NA skater in 2015 NHL Central Scouting's final rankings (behind only McDavid and Eichel). It is absolutely laughable that there are so many on this site crying about Fox's potential as a future NHLer and summarily dismissing Hanifin's potential because he only played 4D minutes as a 20 y.o. in the NHL.
Brutal. I think it's every kid's dream to hear your name called at the draft. So to not actually get to hear your name called...
Not happy to see he has been EXTREMELY sheltered in Carolina (63.1% offensive zone starts) and still has defensive problems but he is young so hopefully he gets better with more experience.
He's a few months younger than Andersson.
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If this day gets you riled up, you obviously aren't numb to the disappointment yet to be a real fan.
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Not happy to see he has been EXTREMELY sheltered in Carolina (63.1% offensive zone starts) and still has defensive problems but he is young so hopefully he gets better with more experience.
I see your point, but show me a 21 year old defenseman that doesn't have defensive zone problems.
At the same time there have been a lot of positive articles around his sheer physical skills, his ability to see the ice and his outlets.
He's 21 not 25.
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Where Hanifin stands out to an absurd degree is in his controlled entries. He is a huge outlier among defencemen with his ability to gain the blue line, and his unwillingness to just settle for a dump-and-chase. Defencemen who lead the rush aren’t very common in the NHL, so having one guy who can do it can really change a team’s attacking strategy, just as the Predators do with Roman Josi.
With Brodie providing the offensive attack in the first defence pairing and Hanifin doing the same in the second defence pairing - might just be what Peters is looking to see in how the Flames support their forwards.
Interesting that Craig Button doesn't seem to be a fan of the swap. Said Hanafin isn't close to having the offensive skills of Dougie.
I watched that as well, but then I remembered Craig paid a two-time Art Ross Trophy winner to NOT play for Flames and to go away. This just means he’s been wrong big time before. He’s paid to give an opinion.
Watching Hamilton I’ve always believed his biggest asset to the Flames was his ability to facilitate the transition game. I think Hanifin has similar skills, now we just have to see how they develop here.
Let's learn more about Noah Hanifin
