Flames trade is a poor idea for Vegas since they absolutely can't afford Hanifin's extension. Their d-core is top of the league already, what they should be looking for is a forward since they lost a few in the offseason

The price is fair for Hanifin but Vegas would not go after him maybe Ruzicka, and Detroit wouldn't go after Sprong unless they lose a bunch of games before the deadline and Sprong makes sense on going to Vegas

They actually can, quite easily actually if they let Martinez walk. Unless he wants to come back for real cheap. That's why I put Hague and Howden in the deal, that's 4M extra space next season that they can easily fill with cheaper contracts or internally. Decided to quickly make a Vegas 2024 to show it.

Also, my thought for Vegas is getting an established top defenseman who can be part of the team for many years. McNabb and Pietrangelo are going to regress soon. I think it would be beneficial now to give McNabb a bit lesser roll on the third pairing.

Detroit isn't going to be a playoff team; their team defense is not good enough. They are scoring goals but can't keep them out of their own net.

Ok sure in theory they could afford him but it's not a logical choice. Hanifin is going to get 7M+ on his next deal but then there is also Marchessault and Stephenson who will likely also get 7M+ each. I think at least at this point in time Vegas should be adding to their forward depth. Hague can replace Martinez in the top 4 down the line and there will be other top pairing caliber defensemen hitting the market over the next 3 years too

I don't really see Marchessault or Stephenson getting that kind of payday. Seems like quite a lot for both of them considering their age and/or production this season. They might be able to get lower AAV with a bit more term. I value each around 5M personally.

Both players just played major roles in a cup win. Down year or not they are getting raises. Yes Marchessault is 33 and will be turning 34 early into his new deal but that's why you don't commit too mich term to him. Maybe 7M is a bit high but look at what Killorn got at 33 for much less production. I would be shocked if Marchessault gets less than 6.5M.
With Stephenson, he's a center. And there are not a lot of centers on the market he's only 6 months older than Lindholm and Lindholm isn't going to get less than 8M. Maybe he won't get 8 but if he hits the market someone will pay him 7.5M x 7 years for sure.

Hanifin is probably heading home to Boston, I don't see him signing long term in Vegas. And beside they have about $17,000,000 to sign 9 players and Hanifin alone will roughly eat $7,500,000 of that. Don't see it happening.

I would much rather see Vegas invest in a 2nd line center than a 7-8 million dollar defenseman when we already have arguably a top 3 defense in the league when healthy. Doesn't make much sense at all to be honest.

My thought process on the trade is to try and keep that defense at the top. Pietrangelo is 33, my boy McNabb is 33 right away. Bringing in another high level defender will help when those guys start to regress. They have a couple interesting internal options but nothing projected for Hanifin level plus it would take time to get there.
A second line centre though is likely needed a bit more. I believe though defense wins championships. That's why would invest in the blue line before the forward group.