While emphasizing that he isn’t involved in contract negotiations, Flames coach Ryan Huska expressed his desire to see Noah Hanifin remain on the team for an extended period.
Although contract talks are managed by General Manager Craig Conroy, Huska made it clear that he hopes to have Hanifin as part of the roster for years to come, especially after the team’s comeback victory against the Ottawa Senators.
Hanifin played a pivotal role in the third-period turnaround, contributing three points, including the tying goal and assisting on the go-ahead goal. With a shattered stick during a wrist-shot attempt, he showcased resilience. Hanifin finished the game with a plus-5 rating, matching his career high, earning praise from Huska, who highlighted it as one of his best performances.
As the 27-year-old defenseman approaches unrestricted free agency in the summer, contract extension talks have reportedly resumed. However, if an agreement isn’t reached, there’s speculation that he may be traded before the deadline.
Hanifin’s impressive performance against the Senators, where he scored seven goals and accumulated 22 points in 41 games this season, further underscores his value, with reports indicating he seeks a contract north of $7 million per season.
