Kraken Are Shopping Mark Giordano Ahead of NHL Trade Deadline

As per TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Seattle Kraken have officially decided they’ll be moving defenseman Mark Giordano in a trade if they can find a taker. LeBrun notes the Kraken did want to have conversations with Giordano about the idea of extending his contract with the team, but, in the end, the Kraken have shifted their focus towards finding a trade partner.

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Giordano is the first captain in Seattle Kraken franchise history and has a strong reputation is a leader. He’ll be a player that teams covet for a playoff run, but he’s also an expensive option meaning not all teams can fit him under their salary cap, and even if they could, there might be an expectation the Kraken will retain some salary in the deal. How much and what kind of sweetener the Kraken will want for doing so is unclear at this time.

Giordano does have a 12-team no-trade clause that’s been worked into his contract so he will have some say over where he winds up. If he’s only got a return to Calgary on his mind, that’s one thing. If he’s open to going to a contender and then plans to test the market in the summer (perhaps looking at Calgary then), that’s another. That’s the bigger hurdle for Seattle as LeBrun notes the organization is willing to get creative to fully utilize their cap space. Seattle has plenty of room with $21 million open on the books so if they’re willing to eat salary or take a player back, they’ll be options and a chance for the Kraken to maximize their return.

Which Teams Might Be Interested?

We can assume Calgary would be in this, but it depends on the asking price. We can also assume the Toronto Maple Leafs might kick tires if they get their Jake Muzzin LTIR situation sorted out. The New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild have some space too with which to play and a rental isn’t a bad idea for them.

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