Bruins and Flames Potentially Talking About Swapping Defensemen

It’s a risky trade for both sides, but Jimmy Murphy of Florida Hockey Now (subscription required) reports that the Calgary Flames and Boston Bruins might be talking a trade that would see Flames’ defenseman Noah Hanifin move to the Bruins in an effort by the Flames to strengthen the right side of their blue line and, at the same time, bring in a less expensive contract.

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Murphy notes that sources he spoke with believe Hanifin isn’t been shopped and the Flames aren’t looking to dump his contract, but that GM Brad Treliving might be willing to listen to and contemplate a “hockey trade” that improves the team and gets him closer to his overall goal. With only $1 million in current cap space, the Flames GM said he’s still looking to upgrade the team.

While Murphy cites the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets as teams who might be interested in Hanifin, the club that stands out the most right now is the Boston Bruins. They’re looking to improve their blue line after losing Torey Krug and might be willing to move Brandon Carlo if a deal that makes sense can be worked out.

Carlo is an excellent defenseman and makes $2.1 million less than Hanifin so the Flames might consider it. At the same time, the Bruins have been linked to Hanifin for years, their interest dating all the way back to his draft year. If it turns out that Murphy is correct, it won’t be a shock to learn the Bruins are interested in the Boston native.

Risky Deal for Both Sides

Again, it’s a risky deal for both sides and for Boston, there’s certainly chance the deal doesn’t pay off considering how liked Carlo is in that city. The ggod news for them is that Hanifin is locked in for a few more season.

That said, as far as the Flames are concerned, if Carlo isn’t interested in sticking around, they’ll have moved a defenseman who was locked up for four more seasons for a blueliner who could leave in one year’s time.

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