Exactly.

He reminds me of Joni Pitkanen, honestly. A big guy who maybe isn't elite offensively or defensively but skates effortlessly and can eat 25+ minutes per night with ease.
- BINGO!

Trust me, he's better than Pitkanen.

Trust me, he's better than Pitkanen.
- CupOnBroadSt.

Pitkanen was VERY good in Raleigh.

Exactly.

He reminds me of Joni Pitkanen, honestly. A big guy who maybe isn't elite offensively or defensively but skates effortlessly and can eat 25+ minutes per night with ease.
- BINGO!

I think he projects better than that. He is an excellent skater, we'll see what Waddell can do with the team around him.

I had hope that Hanifin could grow into being an elite defenseman. That's not going to happen anymore. He is, however, likely going to land in that "Alex Edler" range of being a real good puck moving D for a long time.
- BINGO!

His trend shows to be more consistent and better than Edler. If Hanafin gets the right surroundings he should be in OEL territory.

I'm a guy who has, let's just say, some access to information with the Blackhawks (and some other teams but mostly them). Here's truth:

1. Hossa's rash was/is real. Yes, the contract was structured in a way to help them build the Cup winners back in '10, but every team he has played for is aware of it. That's real, and the Blackhawks are very disappointed that he has to retire (not disappointed in Hossa, but in the situation).

2. Toews is available. He hasn't entirely been the leader he was earlier in his career. Nothing major. (Example -- uses his own trainer, etc). The Hawks still believe he's a great player and that he can measure up to the contract, but he has to be out front in all aspects.

3. The Hawks are split on Crawford. They are upset about last year's injury and that it happened off ice in leisure time. It's not his first time in that situation. That said, they think he's still a terrific goalie.
- jam10sugar

Reading the team official tweet does not make you connected :no

There is no way the Leafs would part with Nylander + for Hanifin.
- mjones242

I'm not saying they would, or should.

Just saying that I don't think Nylander for Hanifin is equal value, especially given how the NHL values Dmen over wingers.

This year will be the year we see what he will be. As I mentioned Hedman didn’t really breakthrough until his 4th year. And he has only gone into beast mode the last 2. Even if he doesn’t he’s still going to be pretty good to have for a long time.
- Iggysbff

I think Hedman took even longer than 4 years to be consistent?

Reading the team official tweet does not make you connected :no
- Xizord

He gives guys like me, who actually have connections to GM's and many coaches and scouts, a bad name.

I checked in with EK and he says that he had not heard anything about what the dude was posting.

Better to stick with your trusted sources like EK.

I'm not saying they would, or should.

Just saying that I don't think Nylander for Hanifin is equal value, especially given how the NHL values Dmen over wingers.
- Kinger34

what do you mean by "value" though. It is determined by rarity and demand no?

I think the Leafs would have add significantly in a Nylander for Hanifin trade.

His trend shows to be more consistent and better than Edler. If Hanafin gets the right surroundings he should be in OEL territory.
- LordHumungous

Should be, but hard to say.

One problem with him is that it's all mental. He hasn't changed much in terms of the types of mistakes he makes, he just is better at skating his way out of them now.

If he was even 10% more aggressive with the puck he'd be a beast.

Islanders can have Carey Price, Max Pacioretty, Mike Mccarron & the 35th pick for Michael Dal Colle, Keiffer Bellows, 11th overall pick, Thomas Greiss and Johnny Boychuk's contract (15% retained)
- obie

Switch Bellows out for Ho Sang

It would be a big mistake if the Canes' trade Hanifin. He's yet to fulfill his potential and at year 4, the sky is the limit for this kid. New coach, new system ( hopefully) may be exactly what he needs. Faulk on the other hand can be traded for the right return. A Faulk for Darnell Nurse and a pick is an idea I'd float for sure.