According to a report from insider Frank Seravalli, the star defenseman has revealed his desire to play with the Tampa Bay Lightning, whether that be via trade or free agency.
This certainly makes sense given his reported desire to return to the United States, but with the trade deadline looming, its unlikely that the Lightning have the assets to outbid other teams interested in Hanifin.
Given the Lightning's lack of future assets that Calgary would want in a deal, they certainly won't be the favourites to land him in the next few weeks, but how does this desire effect his value?
For a team chasing a Stanley Cup this year, landing Hanifin will be worth it regardless of his future, but for teams looking at him as a future asset and a key to the lineup, this may stall their interest in him. Either way, it appears Hanifin will be gone from the Flames in the next few weeks, and where he ends up could change the landscape of the NHL ahead of an intriguing playoff race.