Calgary Flames defenceman Noah Hanifin has been ruled out for the remainder of the year due to an injury. This comes with only a handful of games left in the season. Darren Dreger announced the news about Hanifin late Monday morning.
And, as @RealKyper reported earlier…sources confirm Flames Dman, Noah Hanifin is done for the year. Should have more information later today. https://t.co/8B4HDn32Cm
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) April 26, 2021
Flames Lose Noah Hanifin For Season
Hanifin has been one of the Flames’ more productive defenders in 2020-21. While his four goals and 15 points in 47 games aren’t outstanding, the scoring rate of .32 points per game is slightly better than 2019-20 when he posted .31 per contest. Hanifin’s average ice time has decreased, but his Corsi For has increased to 52 percent from 50.8. It’s a very solid season overall despite Calgary’s general struggles in the North Division.
The Flames originally drafted Hanifin fifth overall in the 2015 Draft and he has been a respectable defender in his first six seasons. The 6’3″ blueliner has 32 goals and 153 points in 436 games. Some fans may not like the relative lack of production, but it can take bigger defenders longer to grow into their game. Hanifin has plenty of time left to take over as the team’s top offensive defenceman as current leader Mark Giordano nears retirement.
How Calgary Replaces Hanifin
Hanifin’s departure for the remainder of 2020-21 creates an opportunity for someone else in the short term. Michael Stone could take Hanifin’s spot in the lineup despite contributing just one goal and two points in 12 games. The team may also see what they have stashed in the AHL. Connor Mackey has done well with the team’s Stockton affiliate with three goals and 16 points in 27 games.
This injury certainly diminishes Calgary’s postseason odds. They are currently four points behind the Montreal Canadiens for fourth in the North. There is still a chance that the Flames make one more push, but thinning depth on the blueline is not going to help the cause.
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