There are a lot of question marks surrounding potential players on the move at the 2022 NHL trade deadline.However, if you're a better man or woman, put some cash down on the Kraken trading Mark Giordano.
mentioned in one of her recent columns that GM Ron Francis is "almost certainly" going to move the 38-year-old defenseman who will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. In 55 games with Seattle, Giordano has 23 points, averaging 21:29 time on ice with 98 blocked shots and 46 hits.
The two sides met and determined that the best course of action would be to work out a trade before the March 21 deadline.
"(Giordano) entered Seattle with an open mind, but things Philadelphia Eagles Jersey haven't gone according to plan for the franchise this season, and there are quite a few players not so happy with their situations. Giordano met with general manager Ron Francis last month, and it was determined the best course of action would be the Kraken recouping some value while allowing Giordano to chase a Stanley Cup this spring."
Giordano isn't the Norris Trophy-winning defenseman he was three years ago, but he can still play a solid two-way game and add depth on the left side Zach Brown Jersey of a contender's blue line. He does have a 10-team no-trade list, but Kaplan said "he has not even bothered giving it to the Kraken," knowing that whatever team is trying to trade for him is not on the list.
The biggest i sue in acquiring the Kraken captain will be his salary, as he carries a $6.75 cap hit this season. But acquiring the puck-moving defender would be worth it for a team with its eyes on the Stanley Cup this season.
Here is a look at some teams who should be trying to trade for Giordano.
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Trade destinations for Mark GiordanoFlorida PanthersIt's a loaded team down in Florida. They have a high-flying, deep offensive group that is averaging 4.12 goals per game, the most out of any team.
But that kind of style doesn't fly in the postseason. You don't win Stanley Cups by earning 6-5 victories. The Panthers need to improve on defense, where the team's 2.86 goals allowed per game ranking right in the middle of the pack.
How about getting someone like Giordano who benefits both offense and defense? He's a solid upgrade to their third-pair, or even second if they want to bump Gustav Forsling down. He plays defensively sound and his ability to move the puck up the ice in the neutral zone would blend well with the Panthers' style of play.
Florida has the a sets to make a move. Owen Tippett is a promising forward who got bumped out of the Panthers lineup and is . The Kraken should Reggie White Jersey jump all over a package for him, plus a second or third-round pick for Giordano.
Calgary FlamesThere's no team that knows Giordano's impact more than the Flames. The ex-captain of the team spent 15 years with the organization before he was exposed by Calgary in the expansion draft.
It's ironic that the player the Flames let the Kraken take is the exact kind of player they now need a veteran, puck-moving defenseman. Giordano could fit in on the left side, playing behind Noah Hanifin on either the second or third pair. A pairing of Giordano and Chris Tanev would make a ton of sense, with Tanev's stay-at-home style allowing Giordano to focus on the offensive side if needed.
Something to note Francis asked the Flames for a first-round pick and either a second or third-rounder in exchange to in the expansion draft. The Kraken could demand that price again in order for the Flames to get Giordano back. If that's the case, the Flames would have to trade their 2023 first-round pick, having already sent its 2022 first-round selection to the Canadiens in the Tyler Toffoli trade.
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Toronto Maple LeafsThere are a lot of questions for the Maple Leafs ahead of the trade deadline. Defense is one of those, as the team is faltering in its own zone, in addition to losing blueliners to injury.
The Maple Leafs have allowed at least four goals in seven of its last eight games and 10 of its last 12 contests. A lot of it can be chalked up to , but the Leafs need to add someone else on defense.
While not a team rumored to be interested in Giordano originally, the on the Kraken defenseman. If Toronto traded for Giordano, there's an opportunity to pair him with his former defensive partner in Calgary, T.J Avonte Maddox Jersey . Brodie. The two played together in Giordano's Norris Trophy-winning season, so there is chemistry already built in there.
GM Kyle Dubas has a decision to make at the deadline that will be impacted by the health of Jake Muzzin. The blueliner is currently on long-term IR as he deals with a concu sion. The earliest he can return is March 26, so Dubas has to determine whether or not to pull the trigger on a trade for another defenseman before Muzzin returns.
The Maple Leafs have enough a sets to pull off a trade and frankly if Dubas wants to keep his job, he can't be pa sive at the deadline. He gave up a first-round pick for Nick Foligno last season, there are certainly better players this season worth that price.
New York RangersThe Rangers have far exceeded expectations this season, thanks in large part to Igor Shesterkin's insane season in which he already should be a lock for the Vezina and should be in serious consideration for the Hart Trophy.
But I digre s. New York has a chance, a Shareef Miller Jersey real chance, to make a run this postseason. It's a team filled with young players that have developed well under Gerard Gallant this season.
If the Rangers want to go anywhere come playoff time, they need to add some veterans to the lineup.I mentioned it when looking at , the Rangers are extremely lacking in playoff experiences on the defensive side. Jacob Trouba has 30 playoff games, Patrik Nemeth has 28, but after that, Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren have three each, while K'Andre Miller, Nils Lundqvist, Braden Schneider and Libor Hajek have none. Giordano doesn't have a ton, just 23 games, but experience is experience.
The team has a plethora of prospects and picks that could be used in a package. It's not ideal to package some of the a sets together for a rental like Giordano, but you need to strike when the iron is hot and with Shesterkin in net, it's a dangerous team that could find its way to the Finals this season.
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Carolina HurricanesThe Hurricanes have been at the top of the standings for the majority of the season and are gearing up to be a team that can contend for a Stanley Cup.
Defense isn't a pre sing Cameron Johnston Jersey need for Carolina no team is allowing fewer goals this season than the Hurricanes, averaging just 2.36 goals against. But they've been in Giordano.
Carolina has left-shot defensemen on the roster, so the only reason to bring in Giordano is if the team really feels he's an up
