5 Players New Jersey Devils Can Trade For Before Training Camp

Noah Hanifin

This one is going to make people mad. That’s okay. Noah Hanifin is a very controversial player. The advanced stats do not like his game. He’s been moved once already, as the Carolina Hurricanes got Dougie Hamilton for him (among other pieces). Now, he’s on a Calgary Flames team that is looking for direction. They went through a tumultuous season last year, and now they can look to compete in the Canadian division.

Hanifin is sitting behind Mark Giordano for at least two more seasons. If he could find a place to make more of an impact, it might make sense for his game.

This is an extremely complicated deal. The Flames won’t give Hanifin away, but at the same time he hasn’t lived up to the hype. He’s only 23 years old, which is a baby in terms of defensemen. Still, we’ve seen him for five years, and he hasn’t exactly knocked anyone’s skates off with his play.

So, then why would the Devils trade for him? He’s the exact kind of player Tom Fitzgerald has said he’s looking for. He’s right in the middle of the age range the team wants. He makes just under $5 million for four more seasons, so there is some control there. It’s worth the risk for the Devils if the price is right. If it’s something like a 1st-round pick, the answer is no. If the Flames are looking for a mutually beneficial deal with roster players going each way, a deal can probably happen. Many hate Hanifin’s game, but it’s clear he has the talent to change minds.