The Calgary Flames announced that they have signed restricted free agent defenseman Noah Hanifin to a six-year $29.7 million contract. Hanifin’s deal is worth $4.95 million per season AAV. The contract carries him through the 2023-24 season. Hanifin was acquired in a draft-day trade with the Carolina Hurricanes.
CAL signs Noah Hanifin to six years at a $4.95M AAV
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 31, 2018
Noah Hanifin Signs with the Calgary Flames
Last season, Hanifin had a career year as he hit double digits in goals for the first time. Hanifin scored 10 goals and added 22 assists for 32 points in 79 games while averaging 19 minutes of ice time per game. Possession wise, Hanifin had a 55.92 Corsi-For percentage and a +2.15 Relative Corsi last season. Over his three-year career, spent entirely with the Hurricanes, Hanifin has recorded 18 goals and 65 assists for 83 points in 239 career NHL games.
The 21-year-old Hanifin was drafted 5th overall in the 2015 NHL entry draft and made the Hurricanes roster in his first season. Hanifin has a rather large frame standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 206 pounds. Although big in stature, Hanifin is still very quick. He is an exceptional skater with great hockey sense and puck moving abilities. Hanifin helped quarterback the Hurricanes second powerplay unit last season.
Flames Solidifying Their Defence
Locking up Hanifin is key for the Flames after the big trade. New Flames head coach Bill Peters has indicated that Hanifin is expected to be part of his top-four next season. Peters has stated that he plans to use Hanifin on the second defence pair with Travis Hamonic. Peters knows Hanifin well as he coached him in Carolina.
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OTTAWA, ON – MARCH 24: Carolina Hurricanes Defenceman Noah Hanifin (5) skates during warm-up before National Hockey League action between the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators on March 24, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
