Three trade destinations for Kraken captain Mark Giordano
Anthony Scultore
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The Seattle Kraken are sitting dead last in the Pacific Division at 15-27-4. This has many believing that their first-ever captain Mark Giordano’s stay will be rather brief. Insiders believe a move is likely happening by the NHL Trade Deadline.
“I think that’s a decision we make a little bit down the road here,” GM Ron Francis told The Athletic back in October. “Mark is a terrific pro, been in the game a while, and a great leader for us and the organization, representing us not only on the ice but in the community as well. We’ll see where things go moving forward with the franchise overall.’’
Mark Giordano on the block
When the deadline rolls around, expect the 38 year-old pending UFA defenseman to be on the move.
Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek said this about Giordano: “Still wants a shot at a Stanley Cup and is on an expiring deal.”
Giordano has 18 points in 40 games for the Kraken. He is exactly what contending teams will be looking for at the deadline.
“My history is to be open and honest,” Francis said recently. “I may have conversations with one player, five players, 10 players. That is the way I like to operate. Whether those conversations are to re-sign or move on, the deadline is March 21 and we have to get there.”
“At some point, we will have a conversation and see what [Giordano] wants to do,” he said. “He’s our captain, and the conversation will be had face to face with him. We will see where he is at and what he wants to do.”
Top Trade Destinations for Giordano
Calgary Flames
What about a return home? Mark Giordano played 15 years in Calgary and in a recent interview on Sportsnet 960, his agent made some interesting comments.
“I certainly think there’s a possibility,” said Ritch Winter, who represents Giordano. “I think there could be an argument that a guy like Gio, with a little more offence, could really add to the mix… But that’s not something we control.”
The Flames didn’t want to lose Giordano for starters in the expansion draft and he never wanted to leave. With Calgary being a playoff team, bringing him back makes sense.
“Calgary has got to be a possibility. I know from Gio’s perspective, obviously his entire adult life has been lived in the city of Calgary, where he counts most of his friends, many who are teammates. I gotta think he’d be excited about it.
New York Rangers
One team that was rumored to be interested in making a deal for the defenseman at the expansion draft was the New York Rangers. It’s possible that they could be involved when he’s made available again.
The veteran defenseman has one year left on a deal that pays $6.75 million. The Rangers have plenty of cap space to take him on without the Kraken needing to retain any salary.
A blue-line with Mark Giordano replacing Patrik Nemeth would be optimal. He would also make a great defensive partner for rookie Braden Schneider.
Florida Panthers
The Panthers are considered one of the top Stanley Cup contenders and they are said to be all-in at the trade deadline.
They are reportedly interested in landing Jakob Chychrun from the Arizona Coyotes. If they can’t land that lefty, Giordano would be an excellent fit for a championship run.
Florida is an aggressive attack team that can score 8 goals on any given night as we’ve seen recently. However, that has also cost them in games against opponents who can defend and transition the other way.
Adding one of the best blue-liners in the game will surely help settle things down and improve their overall defense.
