Backlund, Lindholm and Hanifin reportedly all want out of Calgary

According to multiple online reports earlier this week, veteran NHL defenseman Noah Hanifin has informed the Calgary Flames that he will NOT be signing an extension with the team when his contract ends next offseason. The 26 year old blueliner is slated to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career and would evidently like to explore his options on the free market.

What happens between Hanifin and the Flames in the time between now and next offseason remains to be seen, but suffice it to say that this team cannot afford to have another high profile player leave via free agency with nothing in return. The Flames already went through this song and dance with Johnny Gaudreau last summer and new GM Craig Conroy has gone on record saying they will not make the same mistake twice. All of this is to say that a trade seems like the most likely solution.

And here's the thing... Hanifin may not be alone.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli reports that pending free agent forward Elias Lindholm and Mikael Backlund are both 'leaning towards' not re-signing with the Flames, as well.

From Seravalli:

You know what?

Why not just tear this sucker down and rebuild?

If your top two centers and your top pairing defenseman want out, the season after losing your top two forwards... it might be a sign that you need to pick up the pieces and move forward with a rebuild. Now, what to do with the likes of Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri and Jacob Markstrom though, I'm not exactly sure.

Just a mess of a situation all around in Calgary.