What if Gio is taken in expansion? I doubt this happens

In what world is moving Hanifin a remotely good idea?

Did you think of the expansion draft? What about all of next years UFA and RFA that you need to pay.

In this one, where you can use his strong reputation and perceived potential to trade up for a better asset! <3

I would protect Gio

Lol so what happens when Gio either gets taken by Seattle or retires next year?

Also if you still think Hanifin's potential is "perceived" you are way out of the loop

Yes I did think of that
Protection list: Gaudreau, Tkachuk, Lindholm, Mangiapane, Garland, Dvorak, Dube, Giordano, Tanev, Andersson, and Markstrom.
Seattle might take Phillips which would be unfortunate. Hopefully they'd pick Backlund or Kylington.

Between Brouwer buyout, Gio contract, and Ryan re-up coming off the books, Flames will have room for Tkachuk, Gaudreau, Mangiapane.

I would protect Gio
Hanifin has only been ok. I suggest trading him for a better player!

Hanifin lead the team in scoring chances for all season and was producing at 0.5 ppg under Sutter since he was actually given special teams time for once. Probably puts up at least 40 points next year, maybe more since he will likely be on the main PP unit

Why not let gio go? He’s getting older with a hefty contract. It would be very beneficial for him to be gone. There are also rumours that Tkachuk wants out of Calgary.

Hanifin on his own is worth more than Garland and Dvorak.