Montreal Canadiens: Hypothetical Habs Trade With Every Pacific Division Team

Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames are in a similar spot as the Montreal Canadiens. Both teams have key veterans on the team who are aging. They think they are in a spot to contend soon. They have not had the results recently that would indicate they are good enough as currently constructed to compete right now.

That makes it difficult to find a perfect fit for a trade. But, the Flames are very deep on left defence and the Canadiens could use a partner for Shea Weber. Enter Noah Hanifin.

The 23 year old left defenceman is a terrific skater and has good size at 6’3″ and 215 pounds. He puts up some offence, as he has twice reached the 30 point plateau, but he isn’t exactly a power play quarterback. He can eat minutes on the left side and move the puck up ice quickly.

Even without Hanifin, the Flames are deep on the left side with Mark Giordano, Juuso Valimaki and Oliver Kylington. They still could bring back pending free agent T.J. Brodie as well. With Hanifin’s $4.95 million cap hit off the books, it would be easier to re-sign Brodie.

With Travis Hamonic a free agent as well, the Flames could use a right defenceman if they move Hanifin. They could also use some cap relief so they can try to upgrade their goaltending position or bring in another top six forward. There are a lot of areas of need. The best fit for the Flames might be to put together a couple of former London Knights.