"I love it here": Flames' Hanifin remains willing to sign a contract extension
The Calgary Flames and Noah Hanifin are continuing to have discussions on a potential contract extension.
During the offseason, Hanifin seemed like he was going to be on the moveĀ as reports surfaced that he had informed Flames management he wasn’t willing to re-sign. There has been an apparent change of heart, however, as news first broke during training camp that the 26-year-old was open to signing an extension.
News surrounding an extension between the Flames and Hanfin picked up steam on Monday, and while nothing has been worked out yet, the defenceman himself spoke with reporters and made it clear that he enjoys playing in Calgary.
“I’ve always enjoyed my time playing in Calgary. I love it here. It’s been great,” Hanifin said. “Sometimes being patient with things helps, kind of giving yourself some time to think about the process and what you want to do. But for me, I’ve always loved Calgary and I’m happy that there are discussions happening.”
Hanifin made it clear that he had nothing further to say regarding how close the two sides are when it comes to an extension at this time. When there is news to report on the matter, he assured Flames media he would provide an update.
Given his age, one would expect that he would receive a long-term deal, likely coming in at seven or eight years. He is also expected to receive a significant raise from his current deal which carries a cap hit of $4.95 million.
Though Hanifin’s offensive game hasn’t become as dominant as many expected when he was selected fifth overall in the 2015 draft by the Carolina Hurricanes, he is a very competent top-four defenceman. In 81 games with the Flames last season, he scored seven goals and 38 points, while averaging 22:39 minutes in ice time, a total that trailed only Rasmus Andersson’s 24:05.
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