Boston Bruins Eyeing Flames D-Man Noah Hanifin

About four weeks ago we discussed the idea that the Calgary Flames and Boston Bruins might be contemplating a trade that would see a change of scenery for two defensemen. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, there are new developments on the Burins interest in Noah Hanifin but a defenseman would no longer be going back to the other way.

Related: Bruins and Flames Potentially Talking About Swapping Defensemen

Pagnotta reports that the Bruins have continued to express interest in the Massachusetts native and adds that the organization’s search for a left-shot defenseman since Torey Krug left for St. Louis in free agency hasn’t really stopped.

The trade would see Calgary acquire winger Ondrej Kase in return. He has one season left at $2.6 million on his current deal before he becomes a restricted free agent. For the Bruins, Hanifin would be a long-term solution as he has four years remaining on his six-year, $29.7 million contract. That’s an annual average of $4.95 million.

Hanifin has tremendous upside and at only 23-years old would be a great addition for the Bruins who have shown repeated interest in his services over the length of his career, with real buzz that the Bruins were interested before Hanifin was moved from the Carolina Hurricanes to the Flames.

Hanifin scored five goals and 17 assists in 70 games last season for the Flames.

What About the Bruins Offense?

While a Hanifin acquisition would solve a number of the Bruins problems on defense, it would potentially create a hole on offense. Moving Kase when the team is already going to be down Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak to open the season is not ideal. Prospects like Jack Studnicka and Zach Senyshyn might have to step up and play a bigger role.

Next: Four Potential Trade Destinations for Max Pacioretty