Blockbuster Trade for Hometown Star Defenseman Looming in Boston

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Tom Banks
January 31, 2024 (6:29 PM)

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This season, the Boston Bruins have excelled despite a disappointing summer, and now, with the March 8 trade deadline looming, they appear to be big-time buyers.

A hometown kid returning to Boston?

With limited assets, the Bruins might only have the resources to swing for the fences with one big trade, and if that's the case, their target has seemingly been identified.

According to a report, the Bruins are focused on landing Noah Hanifin of the Calgary Flames, who grew up playing hockey in the Boston area before playing for Boston College back in the 2014-15 season.

No extension likely with the Calgary Flames

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Hanifin has turned down several offers from the Calgary Flames, and with his pending UFA status, he's more and more likely to be moved in the coming weeks.

"Hanifin held off signing an eight-year extension with Calgary at the start of the season worth a reported $7.5M per season. The Flames reapproached him recently, but no deal yet. Teams know what he wants long-term, which might not help trade negotiations from Calgary's perspective, but if the Flames can't convince him to stay, they'll look to move him." Pagnotta said."

In 49 games this season, Hanifin has tallied 8 goals and 25 points, and at 27 years of age, he's got a bright future ahead of him, so if the Bruins believe they can lock him down to a long-term deal, this could be a trade that changes their fortunes ahead of a potential Stanley Cup run.

As Read on MarkerZone - Bruins Reportedly Eyeing Blockbuster Trade for Hometown Defenseman