For arguments sake...what do you value those 4 at, who's what....Slavin is considered top pair, Hanifin seems to have more value than Marner on here according to HF(I don't think so) which makes him first pair, there was a Pesce for Nylander proposal on here where I saw Pesce valued as top pair. Justin Faulk's trade value seemed to be first pair on here....what have I said wrong?
I’d be surprised if any Canes fan called Hanifin a top-pairing defenseman, even after his best of games. Perhaps fans of other teams use that language to describe a player that came into the league with a lot of hype and assume that he’s on at that level right now. However, there’s absolutely no justification for those that watch him play regularly to give him that label.
As for right now, I’d say Hanifin is a borderline offensive #4. Faulk has been downgraded to a “two-way” #3/#4 after this season. Slavin‘s offense regressed, so he’s back to down to a defensive #2. Pesce is static as a complimentary defensive #2-#4.
I think what you’re missing is that Carolina has a pretty tailored need for a frontline scorer or forward with that potential. If that doesn’t come back the other way, why bother moving one of those 4? Does trading Slavin/Pesce/Faulk/Hanifin for say Kapanen+ really make the organization better long-term?
EDIT: Hanifin's perceived trade value is driven by his potential. This is only post-draft year 3 for him. He has room to grow.