Noah Hanifin

Lore & Background

Hanifin grew up in Norwood, Massachusetts, the son of Bob, a court officer, and Tina Hanifin. He has two younger siblings, Cole and Lily. When Hanifin was 13, his father was diagnosed with colon and kidney cancer. Hanifin attended Saint Sebastian's School, where he played for the varsity team in the eighth grade. He played for USA Hockey's U17 program and was added to the U18 national team as an underage player, helping Team USA win gold at the 2014 IIHF World U18 Championships. He was the highest-scoring American defenseman of that tournament with one goal and five points. After fast-tracking his high school graduation, he matriculated at Boston College as a 17-year-old, becoming the second-youngest player in the team's history.

Hanifin was selected fifth overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2015 NHL entry draft and signed a three-year, entry-level contract on July 11, 2015, forgoing his college eligibility. He made his NHL debut on October 8, 2015, and scored his first NHL goal on November 16, 2015, against Anton Khudobin of the Anaheim Ducks. He finished his rookie season with 4 goals and 22 points in 79 games. On January 15, 2018, he was selected as the Hurricanes' sole representative at the 2018 NHL All-Star Game. In March 2018, he was diagnosed with a concussion and missed three games before returning to score a game-winning goal. He ended the 2017–18 season with a career-high 10 goals and 32 points.

On June 23, 2018, Hanifin was traded to the Calgary Flames along with Elias Lindholm in exchange for Dougie Hamilton, Micheal Ferland, and prospect Adam Fox. He signed a six-year, $29.7 million contract extension with the Flames on August 30, 2018. On February 6, 2021, he became the sixth-youngest U.S.-born player to reach 400 NHL games. On March 6, 2024, he was traded in a three-team deal to the Vegas Golden Knights for Daniil Miromanov, a first-round draft pick, and a conditional third-round pick, with the Philadelphia Flyers receiving a fifth-round pick for retaining half his salary. He signed an eight-year, $58.8 million extension with Vegas on April 11, 2024.

Reader's Guide

Noah Hanifin's significance lies in his consistent NHL career as a top-pick defenseman who has played for three franchises. Drafted fifth overall in 2015, he was the highest-rated defenseman in his draft class and quickly established himself in the NHL, making his debut at age 18 and playing 79 games in his rookie season. His selection as the Hurricanes' sole All-Star representative in 2018 highlighted his early impact. The trade to Calgary in 2018 was a major move, and he signed a long-term extension there before being traded again to Vegas in 2024, where he immediately signed another eight-year deal. His international career includes representing the United States at multiple World Championships and the 2026 Winter Olympics. Off the ice, he married Monique in August 2024 and has lived in Las Vegas since the trade. He was among the majority of the Olympic team who visited President Trump and attended the State of the Union amid controversy over the team's gold medal celebrations.

Did You Know?

• Hanifin was the highest-scoring American defenseman at the 2014 IIHF World U18 Championships with one goal and five points.
• He became the second-youngest player in Boston College hockey history when he matriculated at age 17.
• Hanifin was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights on March 6, 2024, in a three-team deal.
• He was named to the United States roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.