Draft Prospect Profile: Noah Hanifin

We're back again to present another prospect as the countdown to the NHL Draft continues.

Last week, we started splitting up the positions, as the Flyers could be in the market for either a forward or defenseman.

After a look at forward Dylan Strome on Tuesday, it's back to the blue line today.

Here's a look at Boston College defenseman Noah Hanifin.

Highly regarded by some as the best defenseman in the draft, Hanifin is a 6'3", 205-pound blue liner who has been a staple of US World Junior teams and was easily the standout for Boston College this past season.

In his first season with Boston College, Hanifin scored five goals and added 18 assists for 23 points in 37 games and was a plus-12.

There's a reason Hanifin is so high-profiled. He's an excellent skater – possibly the best in the draft. He's got a powerful shot. He's a smart passer. He's got great vision. He seems to make all the right plays on defense.

As a whole, Hanifin possesses a package of skills that is hard to pass up.

And yet, there is still a question that Hanifin is the best defenseman in the draft. How can a player with that skill-set still be in danger of slipping?

For starters, Hanifin's offensive totals at the college level bring a question of scoring to the table. He's got the skills to be a top-pair defenseman, but can he produce like one? That may make teams wary.

Another aspect of Hanifin's game that warrants some questions is his physicality. While Hanifin knows how to use his 6'3" frame and does so smartly, there is an edge required to playing in the NHL that is not nearly as prominent in the college ranks. He may be the best defender in terms of mobility, skating skills and reading plays with anticipation, but if he doesn't mold his physical game, he could fall in the ranks as a team puts together defensive pairings. 

Those questions may be a good thing for the Flyers if they have interest in Hanifin. If enough teams are wary of that, then perhaps the standout defenseman from Boston College will still be on the board at seventh overall.

Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.