Insider Renaud Lavoie of TVA, speaking on Sportsnet radio, highlighted potential challenges faced by the Flames in completing a trade. The apparent obstacle lies in Hanifin's strong desire to don the Bruins jersey and secure a long-term deal with the team. If accurate, this revelation transforms him from a potential long-term acquisition to a rental player, altering the trade dynamics.
The Bruins have maintained an interest in Hanifin since as far back as 2015. While they may be open to a trade, their willingness to part with significant assets may hinge on the possibility of him signing with the team during the upcoming summer. This raises the crucial question of evaluating the value of having Hanifin for the current season's playoff run.