Wed, Mar 6, 2024 at 11:00pm

HANIFIN HEADED TO VEGAS!

In a three-team trade, the Vegas Golden Knights acquired defenseman Noah Hanifin from the Calgary Flames, and forward Mikhail Vorobyev from the Philadelphia Flyers; Calgary acquired defenseman Daniil Miromanov, a conditional first-round draft pick in 2025 and a conditional third-round draft pick in 2025 from the Golden Knights; and Philadelphia acquired a fifth-round draft pick in 2024 from the Golden Knights.

What does it give the Vegas Golden Knights
In Hanifin, the Golden Knights add a top-four defender with elite skating and puck-moving skills. They do surrender multiple draft picks to acquire him, but the price feels more than fair if Hanifin agrees to a contract extension—and/or if the team makes another deep playoff run. From the Flyers, Vorobyev was thrown in but it is unlikely that he ever joins Vegas.

What does it give the Calgary Flames
The Flames part ways with Hanifin after failing to extend the pending UFA. Their playoff hopes this season take a big hit after this deal, but they did well to add a first-round pick. Also, Miromanov should get a better chance to prove himself in Calgary after appearing in just 29 NHL games with Vegas. He has potential as an offensive defenseman.

What does it give the
Vegas appears to have further plans for their cap space ahead of the trade deadline, so they got the Flames to retain 50 percent of Hanifin's salary and brought in the Flyers on another 25 percent. For doing so, Philadelphia was able to add a fifth-round draft pick in this summer's selection process from Vegas, which could become a useful asset in another deal.

Fantasy impact
Hanifin should continue to be a useful defenseman in most fantasy leagues, but do not expect too much additional scoring from him with Vegas. On the other hand, Miromanov gets a boost from joining the Flames (he signed a two-year contract extension upon the completion of the trade). He should see more usage and power-play time. He is worth monitoring, depending on his fit in Calgary.