NHL Rumors: Mark Giordano wants Maple Leafs, Dominik Kubalik on the move, and more
Anthony Scultore
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On Wednesday, the Florida Panthers were the big movers and shakers in the trade market. First they created some cap space by sending Frank Vatrano to the New York Rangers for a fourth-round pick. That was then followed by one of the bigger deadline moves yet when they acquired Ben Chiarot from the Montreal Canadiens.
GM Bill Zito paid a hefty price to land the 30 year-old rental defenseman by sending prospect forward Tyler Smilanic, a 1st-round pick in 2023 and a 4th-round pick in 2022. Montreal will also retain 50% of Chiarot’s salary.
That has all eyes now fixed on other contenders to see what they will do today.
NHL Rumors: Mark Giordano wants to play for the Maple Leafs
The next big rental defenseman on the market is Seattle Kraken captain, Mark Giordano. He was held out of the Kraken’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, but was honored in an emotional pre-game ceremony for playing his 1000th game.
Giordano, 38, is a Toronto native and will be a pending UFA this summer. He’s registered 23 points in 55 games this season. There are several teams that are interested in acquiring him, some of which include the Rangers, Hurricanes, Blues, and Maple Leafs.
I noted last night that Giordano wants to play in his hometown if he’s going to be traded. The Maple Leafs have cap space with Jake Muzzin on IR. The believed hold up is Seattle’s asking price which was only emboldened by what the Canadiens received for Chiarot.
Giordano has a modified no-trade clause and will likely be able to dictate his preferred landing spot.
NHL Rumors: Dominik Kubalik heading to Edmonton or Anaheim
The Blackhawks are expected to be selling at the deadline as they start their rebuild. One player that is likely to be traded is Dominik Kubalik, who has struggled lately in Chicago.
According to Ben Pope, the Anaheim Ducks and Edmonton Oilers have emerged as the leading candidates to acquire him.
Kubalik, 26, has 21 points in 61 games this season. A far cry from his 30 goal rookie campaign in 2019-20 where he picked up 46 points in 68 games. He will be an RFA this summer.
Pope notes that Calvin de Haan is also on the move to either Toronto, Carolina, or Florida. The Panthers acquisition of Chiarot likely eliminates them.
Ryan Carpenter is a favorite target of the Nashville Predators.
