Backlund just resigned and has a NMC i don't know that he wants to be on the move so probably blocks the trade. I think the Bs seriously consider that for Hanifin but maybe tweak the value of the pick and drop the retention.

If Grz is going to Calgary, there will not be full retention. I’m wondering if Calgary retains at all. I could see like 775k in retention at most (one roster slot)

Hanifin is worth more than that. Look at the Lindy trade and lower the price by a fourth round pick. Lohrei a first and another prospect would get it done. If Lohrei is too much, replace him with Beecher and a third.

What is the better deal?

Grz, Beecher, a 2025 first and a 2025 third

Or

Grz, Lohrei, and a 2026 second rounder

I’d personally take the second deal if choosing between the two. The question is what another team would offer comparatively with him being a rental with some strong rumors about a desired free agent destination which has money, need, a GM that is known to covet him, and the tie of the hometown team where he is close to his family.

I think sometimes as fans in this situation, we overvalue first round and second round picks compared to prospects. Doing well at the AHL or NHL level in terms of showing a usable skill set kills a significant percentage of prospect dreams

I’d probably ask for a secondary prospect with upside that fills a position of need if were Calgary. Could easily see them target an Oscar Jelvik type who is playing really well at BC

So the comp for trading Hanifin (LHD) is what Lindholm (Center) got?

Sharks aren’t giving up a draft pick for Vladar.

Not really, Bruz is a better prospect than Lohrei imo, and has the higher upside, then you add a late first (similar to Vancouvers) and a C-B prospect. Not nearly as high of a return as the Lindy trade.

I think you misunderstood my post. You're saying that the comp to acquire Hanfin (a left-handed dmen) is the same as the cost to acquire Lindholm (a centerman). The reality is that centers go for a premium, especially 1st line centers. If CGY can get the same deal for Hanifin that they got for Lindholm then they 100% are taking someone to the cleaners.

As for the rest of your post. Lohrei was top 10 in NCAA scoring among d-men last season and played all-situations. He played between the AHL (nearly a PGP player) & NHL this season. He's a 6'4 smooth skating d-man that's a converted forward, but still decent defensively. Both guys are projected to be top 4 d-men if they hit their ceiling.

I love the fact that Hunter has taken the next step in his development cycle. Hes doing well for Kitchener and was a great get for the Flames.

He reminds me a great deal of a young Kevin Shattenkirk, which makes him a very intriguing long term option. He has good (not great) size and I will warn you that the next jump he needs to make is a big hurdle, but his offensive skill set is impressive.

The best player on Kitchener last year was Francesco Pinielli. a 2nd round pick for the Kings whose value had increased since his draft day. Objectively, he was a better player for Kitchener than Hunter is this year after putting up 90 points and a +20 in 60 games in his final year at Kitchener. He’s at 8 points in 39 games and a -12 in the AHL. Under no circumstance should the Kings give up on him, but every year … most prospects from the OHL take time to develop and it wouldn’t stun me if Hunter takes some time to develop at the AHL level.

Lohrei has a bigger frame, obvious talent, and has already shown impressive skill level when playing with NHL players. He’s also starting to put it together at the AHL level. I wouldn’t sleep on him as a prospect. His size and skating ability likely makes him a better long term player than most players you could get in this draft after 20. you will have to balance the service time for readiness to play now, but talent wise .. he’s got a lot of it. Part of me is very apprehensive about giving him up.