Boston Bruins: Defensive Help With This Trade is Possible

Mar 7, 2021; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (55) skates against the Ottawa Senators during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2021; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (55) skates against the Ottawa Senators during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 23: Noah Haifin #55 of the Calgary Flames skates against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on February 23, 2020, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 23: Noah Haifin #55 of the Calgary Flames skates against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on February 23, 2020, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Hanifin would add left-shot defensive depth as a top-four defenseman for the Bruins.

Former Boston College standout Noah Hanifin would be someone that the Boston front office is looking to add to their defense for the 2021-22 season. A left-shot blueliner that plays over 20 minutes a night fits what they are looking for.

Hanifin spent the first three years of his career with the Carolina Hurricanes after being selected fifth overall in the 2015 Entry Draft, but averaged under 20 minutes a night in North Carolina, with 18:52 a night his highest average in his final season of 2017-18.

Following that season, Hanifin was sent to the Calgary Flames in a trade that included former Bruins defensemen, Dougie Hamilton.  Since his arrival in Calgary, Hanifin has averaged over 20 minutes a night for the Flames and has been durable, playing in 197 regular-season games out of a possible 216.

An offensive defenseman, he recorded a career-high 28 assists in 2018-19 with a plus/minus of plus-18. He would be a nice backup addition to the Boston power play behind Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk, but overall, he would a left-shot defenseman that the Bruins are desperately seeking that can play over 20 minutes a night.