Seattle Kraken: Best trade partners in each division for Mark Giordano
Atlantic Division – Toronto Maple Leafs (William Espy)
Toronto Maple Leafs – 67 points (3rd place), $0 current cap space.
Why the Maple Leafs?
With multiple buyers in the Atlantic Division, it would be easy to say four teams could be in the market for Mark Giordano. The Kraken would have options if they went this route. The Maple Leafs have a solid top four, and even their bottom pairing isn’t bad. However, an upgrade wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
The Maple Leafs and General Manager Kyle Dubas need a successful postseason, and Giordano could certainly help push for that. Due to their current salary cap situation, it would certainly have to be a three-team trade.
The Trade
This is a three-team deal. The Seattle Kraken receive defenseman Travis Dermott, forward Nick Ritchie, and a 2023 second-round pick from Toronto. The Maple Leafs receive Mark Giordano at 25 percent of his salary due to both teams retaining 50 percent, Frederik Gauthier (from NJD), and a 2022 fifth-round pick (SEA). The New Jersey Devils would receive a 2023 fourth-round pick from the Maple Leafs.
Why it works for the Seattle Kraken
On the surface, it may seem like a bit of a light return. However, considering the age and ability of both players, it makes things more clear. Dermott and Ritchie are both under contract for the next two years, with Dermott expiring as an RFA and Ritchie as a UFA.
Dermott is a 25-year-old left-handed defenseman who can fill the gap left by Giordano’s departure. Ritchie is a 26-year-old winger currently playing in the AHL but who already has 30 point seasons under his belt at the NHL level. It gives both players a fresh start and a chance to have an increased role at the NHL level.
Why it works for the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs are getting an experienced defenseman who wants to win badly. Much like many veterans on the team, a Stanley Cup has eluded him his entire career. Although they have players like Morgan Rielly and Jake Muzzin on the left side of their defense, the depth falls off quickly.
By adding Giordano, not only does it let coach Sheldon Keefe take some of the load off the players mentioned above, but it also gives Toronto a defenseman who can play a big role when injuries come calling. New Jersey sending Gauthier north is a bonus for Toronto’s depth. Additionally, he’s a familiar face to the organization.
Atlantic Runner-Up
The Atlantic runner-up for a trade would be the Boston Bruins. They have cap space, aging veterans, and a much stronger right-side of their defense than the left-side. Adding a player like Giordano could give them a much greater chance at pushing for the Stanley Cup this year. But at the same time, they may benefit from standing pat, for the most part, and adding some depth pieces at the deadline instead.