Former NHL Player Jason Demers Makes Compelling Case for Devils to Pursue Flames’ Noah Hanifin
In a surprising twist during an “NHL Now” broadcast, Jason Demers, now an insider, sent shockwaves through the hockey community by proposing a daring move for the New Jersey Devils. Demers passionately urged the team to acquire Noah Hanifin, a cornerstone defenseman for the Calgary Flames.
With conviction, Demers exclaimed,
“I’m doing Noah Hanifin, keeping it with the D,” Demers said. “New Jersey Devils. Go get them. Enough’s enough. You have 9 million. Stop waiting till the trade deadline. Go get Noah Hanifin. Help on the back end. They need some help back end and goaltending. And you see could potentially go there with that. What about the money?”
The NHL Network show’s other host added fuel to the fire, suggesting,
“They have Markstrom, Hanifin package.”
Caught up in the excitement, Demers responded,
“Ooh, that would be pretty. As well as Kevin Weekes would say, ‘Oooh!’”
Highlighting Hanifin’s credentials, Demers emphasized the defenseman’s versatility and reliability on the ice.
“Noah Hanifin, I mean, he does everything. Plays big minutes, offense, defense, he could do it all. And I mean, he’s good. Good, kiddo.”
Demers also pointed out Calgary’s willingness to move players who are unwilling to sign, emphasizing the need for the Flames to receive a fair return for Hanifin. Drawing attention to the return for Elias Lindholm, Demers urged potential suitors to act swiftly, stating,
“And I mean, Calgary’s made no qualms about that. If those guys don’t want to sign, they’re going to move them no matter where they are in the standings. And I think you need to get return for Hanifin. And if you saw anything in the return for Lindholm (Elias Lindholm), I mean, if I’m a team, you know the price. Go get him. You know the price.”
“New Jersey Devils, go get him; enough’s enough.”@jasondemers5 is ready for the Devils to make a move for Noah Hanifin. @LGRed | #NJDevils | #Flames | #NHLNow pic.twitter.com/6axkhfDGfm
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) February 6, 2024
Drafted fifth overall in the 2015 NHL entry draft by the Carolina Hurricanes, Hanifin has become a formidable force on the blue line. His journey led him to the Calgary Flames, where he signed a lucrative six-year contract worth $29,700,000 in 2018.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Hanifin’s Performance Could Transform the Devils’ Game
Analyzing Hanifin’s performance statistics, it becomes clear that he could be a valuable addition to the New Jersey Devils. With 34 points in 50 games, including 11 goals and 23 assists, his impact on the ice is undeniable.
Hanifin’s impressive stats for the 2023-24 NHL season are as follows:
- Games Played (GP): 50
- Goals (G): 11
- Assists (A): 23
- Points (PTS): 34
- Plus/Minus (+/-): -8
- Penalty Minutes (PIM): 21
- Shots on Goal (S): 133
- Power Play Goals (PPG): 5
- Power Play Assists (PPA): 6
- Short-Handed Goals (SHG): 1
- Short-Handed Assists (SHA): 1
- Game-Winning Goals (GWG): 3
- Time on Ice per Game (TOI/G): 20 minutes and 45 seconds
- Productivity (PROD): 30 minutes and 31 seconds
The Acquisition that Could Define the Devils’ Season
Securing a player of Noah Hanifin’s caliber could be a game-changer for the New Jersey Devils. With their current roster struggling, the addition of Hanifin’s skills and experience on the blue line could provide the team with the boost they desperately need.
Editors Value
As the trade rumors circulate and fans eagerly await the Devils’ response, the question remains: Will they take the bold step and pursue Hanifin, potentially altering the course of their season? Only time will tell if the New Jersey Devils are willing to make the move that could ignite their journey to success.
