Noah Hanifin

Noah Hanifin (born January 25, 1997) is an American professional ice hockey player who is a defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL). He has previously played for the Carolina Hurricanes, who drafted him fifth overall in the 2015 NHL entry draft, and the Calgary Flames.

Early life Born in Boston on January 25, 1997, to Bob, a court officer, and Tina Hanifin. Growing up, he attended Saint Sebastian's School, where he played for the varsity team in the eighth grade.

Playing career

Amateur Hanifin was projected to be a top-three pick for the 2015 NHL entry draft, and the number-one-rated defenseman. He was picked fifth overall by the Carolina Hurricanes. Hanifin played for the USA Hockey's U17 program based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan, but was added to the U18 national team as an underage player, helping to lead Team USA to the gold medal at the 2014 IIHF World U18 Championships. He was the highest-scoring American defenseman of the tournament with one goal and five points. After fast-tracking his high school graduation, Hanifin matriculated at Boston College as a 17-year-old, playing for the Eagles and becoming the second-youngest player in the team's history.

Professional

Carolina Hurricanes Hanifin was selected fifth overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2015 NHL entry draft. On July 11, 2015, Hanifin signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Hurricanes forgoing the remainder of his college eligibility. He made his NHL debut October 8, 2015, against the Nashville Predators. Hanifin scored his first NHL goal against Anton Khudobin of the Anaheim Ducks on November 16, 2015. Hanifin finished his rookie season with 4 goals and 22 points in 79 games.

On January 15, 2018, Hanifin was selected as the sole representative of the Hurricanes at the 2018 NHL All-Star Game. On March 19, 2018, Hanifin was diagnosed with a concussion and was ruled out indefinitely. After missing just three games, Hanifin returned to the Hurricanes' lineup on March 24 in a 5–2 win over the Ottawa Senators. Hanifin scored what ended up being the game-winning goal. Despite the Hurricanes not qualifying for the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs, Hanifin ended the regular season with a career-high 10 goals and 32 points.

Calgary Flames

On June 23, 2018, Hanifin was traded to the Calgary Flames (along with teammate Elias Lindholm) in exchange for Dougie Hamilton, Micheal Ferland, and prospect Adam Fox. On August 30, the Flames signed Hanifin to a six-year, $29.7 million contract extension worth $4.95 million annually.

On February 6, 2021, in a regular-season game against the Edmonton Oilers, Hanifin became the sixth-youngest U.S.-born player to reach the milestone of 400 NHL games played.

Vegas Golden Knights On March 6, 2024, Hanifin was traded in a three-team deal to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Daniil Miromanov, a first-round draft pick, and a conditional third-round draft pick, while the Philadelphia Flyers received a fifth-round pick from Vegas for retaining half of Hanifin's salary. Hanifin later signed an eight-year, $58.8 million extension with Vegas on April 11, 2024.

International play

Hanifin has represented the United States internationally at the 2014 U17 World Hockey Challenge, 2014 U18 World Championships, the 2015 World Junior Championships, the 2015 World Championship, and the 2017 World Championship.

On January 2, 2026, he was named to United States' roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Personal life

Hanifin and his wife Monique were married in August 2024. They have lived in Las Vegas since Hanifin was traded to the Golden Knights.

Amid backlash faced by the men's Olympic hockey team regarding the inclusion of FBI director Kash Patel during their gold medal celebrations and members of the team laughing at President Trump's comments of being impeached if he did not invite the women's team to the White House, the team was invited to meet with the president and attend the State of the Union. Hanifin was among the majority who visited with the president and attended the State of the Union.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM 2014 United States U17 6 1 2 3 10 2014 United States WJC18 7 1 4 5 4 2015 United States WJC 5th 5 0 2 2 0 2016 United States WC 4th 10 1 2 3 4 2017 United States WC 5th 8 0 2 2 2 2019 United States WC 7th 8 1 3 4 0 2025 United States 4NF 2nd 4 0 0 0 4 2026 United States OG 6 1 2 3 0 Junior totals 18 2 8 10 14 Senior totals 36 3 9 12 10

Awards and honors Award Year RefCollege Hockey East All-Rookie Team 2015 Hockey East Second Team All-Star 2015 New England All-Star 2015NHL NHL All-Star Game 2018