Elliotte Friedman has just revealed that the Calgary Flames nearly moved this defenseman to the worst team in the league. <h2>Friedman Reveals that San Jose Showed Interest in Hanifin</h2> On 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman revealed that the San Jose Sharks reached out to the Calgary Flames with interest in Noah Hanifin. This move is a bit surprising, as the Sharks should be looking to offload assets for a rebuild instead of bringing them on, especially a pending UFA. <q>Kinda suspect the Sharks called Calgary about Noah Hanifin. Don't see that as a fit. Another team I wonder about is Arizona. Coyotes have the second-best goal differential in the Central, and a desire to push for the playoffs. As this situation plays out, I am curious to see if an extension becomes part of the conversation. It benefits Hanifin, and benefits the Flames in any return.</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1722486499344523648'> </a></blockquote></div> A potential trade from Calgary to San Jose would be a huge risk for the Sharks, as they would still have to pay a pretty penny for Hanifin and risk him not re-signing. This is likely the hangup that led the deal not to work out. <h2>Hanifin Deal Needs to Be Done For Calgary to Make a Meaningful Move</h2> Calgary is looking like they will be a seller when the trade deadline approaches, and if they are looking at a long-term rebuild and new era, they will want to offload some assets as well. This includes Hanifin. Getting a deal done would give teams more assurance that they are getting Hanifin for more than just one run, which could net a bigger return for Calgary. <q>The Calgary Flames are now 2-7-1, and have a bunch of pending UFAs. The big names include: -Elias Lindholm -Noah Hanifin -Chris Tanev -Nikita Zadorov There's still some time to turn things around, but it looks like they could be the focal point of this season's trade deadline.</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/KPapetti/status/1719916449437729134'> </a></blockquote></div> If Calgary continues to slide down the standings, a move only becomes more imminent. As seen on <a href='https://www.houseofhockey.net/nhl/news/Top-Pairing-Defenseman-Almost-Traded-To-Bottom-Feeding-Team' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>House of Hockey</a> - Top Pairing Defenseman Almost Traded To Bottom Feeding Team