Noah Hanifin is already a positive force in Vegas
If there was one player everyone expected to make a significant impact following the NHL trade deadline, it was Noah Hanifin. Acquired in what may have been the biggest blockbuster trade of the season, Hanifin has played in just two games for the Vegas Golden Knights, and he celebrated his first win with the team on Saturday in a 5-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings.
It was also a game to remember for the star blueliner, as he pitched in with two assists and logged 20 minutes and 26 seconds of total ice time. Hanifin is also boasting a plus-3 through two games, has pitched in on the power play, and when the Knights are shorthanded, and he’s also been helping Vegas constantly in the offensive zone.
His Corsi For of 64.7 percent at 5-on-5 will decline, but with 61.5 percent of all of his starts coming in the offensive zone, it shows us that through possession metrics, he’s already made a significant impact with his new team. Add to the fact he’s been on the ice for three goals - two of which he logged as assists, and Hanifin is proving early why the Golden Knights were so interested in acquiring him.