Seattle Kraken: Breaking Down the Mark Giordano Trade
Giordano is a Quick Fix for Toronto’s Struggling Blueline
To the Toronto Maple Leafs: Mark Giordano and Colin Blackwell
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a plethora of talented forwards. In recent years, their lack of defense has been their downfall in getting past the first round. Adding Gio to their blueline rapidly improves that weakness.
Giordano’s presence on the ice will help sharpen up the Maple Leafs at 5v5 and on the penalty kill. It is likely that he will slide into Toronto’s shutdown pairing. Who he will play alongside is still up in the air. Former Calgary teammate and linemate T.J. Brodie seems like the most obvious fit. The two have good chemistry, and building off of that could be a huge breakthrough for Toronto’s defense.
Slotting in alongside Justin Holl is another option. Their playing styles suit one another and would allow Brodie and Morgan Rielly to build off the success and chemistry they found together over the last two seasons. Regardless of where he plays, he will take a lot of pressure off Brodie and Rielly’s shoulders.
The Maple Leafs also acquired Colin Blackwell in their trade with the Seattle Kraken. The center got off to a slow start this season but found success alongside Yanni Gourde and Mason Appleton.
He is a smaller forward but makes up for it with his admirable work ethic and versatility. Where he will fit in among the Toronto Elite will be interesting, but he is sure to be a solid piece for the team that has been chasing the cup since 1968.
Toronto had to do a bit of roster shuffling to make room for Gio and Blackwell, including offloading Travis Dermott‘s contract. However, Seattle will retain 50% of Giordano’s salary, which will help Toronto with its limited salary cap situation.
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