NHL Trade Rumors: Insider links Washington Capitals to Flames' $29,700,000 star defenseman 

The Washington Capitals are reportedly looking to get Calgary Flames star Noah Hanifin on board to bolster their squad.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman weighed in on the topic on the "32 Thoughts Podcast."

"I've wondered about Washington, if Washington is a player in this too, because I think Washington is looking to make some changes...

"...I don't think they really want to go to rock bottom, I can see Washington having eyes on Hanifin."

Hanifin is in the final season of a six-year, $29.7 million contract ($4.95 million average annual value) he signed with Calgary on Aug. 30, 2018. He has 34 points (11 goals, 23 assists) in 59 games for the franchise.

The Capitals will hope to land Hanifin to boost their chances of getting their hands on the coveted Stanley Cup. Currently sitting sixth, they will be looking at the final days of the trade window as an opportunity to sign the Calgary defenseman.

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Noah Hanifin among several Flames stars on the trade-block

A mass clearance is taking place in Calgary this season. Chris Tanev was traded to the Dallas Stars, while Elias Lindholm was acquired by the Vancouver Canucks. The 29-year-old center has had an impressive start to his tenure in Vancouver with six points in the first 13 games. Noah Hanifin could soon be joining the list of departures.

The Flames, meanwhile, have signed former Buffalo Sabres blue-liner Mark Pysyk on a short-term deal but are still in need of major reinforcements.