The Daily: Hanifin Wants to Join Red Wings’ Rival; Preds Signing Novak?

The Detroit Red Wings are locked into a competitive wild card race in the Eastern Conference and don’t want to see a competitor land impact defenseman Noah Hanifin before Friday’s trade deadline.

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reported that may happen because Hanifin, who has a modified no-trade clause, has told the Calgary Flames he would like to end up with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Lightning and Red Wings currently hold the two Eastern wild card spots with four teams chasing them. They both have 72 points, although Detroit has two games in hand. Because of Mikhail Sergachev’s injury, the Lightning desperately need another proven defenseman.

The Flames could also have an impact on the Eastern race if they trade goalie Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported that the Devils are now willing to take Markstrom’s full salary in the deal. That had been a sticking point in previous negotiations.

New Jersey Hockey Now’s story says acquiring Markstrom is general manager Tom Fitzgerald’s No. 1 priority.  The Devils are eight points behind Detroit.

"In Tampa, there definitely is a feeling that that is Noah Hanifin's preferred destination." – @FriedgeHNIC

The Lightning could be interested in Noah Hanifin, but a lack of assets remains an issue.@TonyLuftman | @EJHradek_NHL | #GoBolts | #NHLTonight pic.twitter.com/wt7dXbCDjj

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) March 2, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Bob Duff handicaps the Red Wings’ chances in the Eastern Conference wild card race.
• The Florida Panthers schooled Detroit players on the difference between a contender and a playoff team.
• Here’s a look inside the Grand Rapids Griffins 18-game points streak,
• Paywall story: The grandson of former NHL player Larry Keenan is one of Detroit’s prospects. He’s playing for Penticton in the British Columbia Hockey League.

Red Wings Next Game

The Red Wings are off today and then have two days of practice before starting a four-game road trip with a game Wednesday against the Colorado Avalanche. The Avs lost 5-1 Saturday night to the Nashville Predators. But they are 4-2-1 in their last seven. The Detroit road trip also includes games against Arizona, Vegas and Buffalo.

Hockey Now Network

Montreal: MHN looks at whether it makes any sense for the Montreal Canadiens to move Mike Matheson.

Nashville: Friedman is also reporting the Nashville Predators are close to finalizing a contract extension with Tommy Novak. That’s going to be a disappointment for several teams because he was a popular trade target. The Predators have won seven in a row.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski wrote that the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ dressing room was eerily silent after they blew a 3-1 third period lead in losing to the Calgary Flames. Reality is settling in for the Penguins.

San Jose: How do the San Jose Sharks match up with Western Conference teams as trading partners? Sheng Peng has the answer.