Giordano to the Leafs, Hamonic to Senators, Hagg to Panthers
The Seattle Kraken have traded defenseman Mark Giordano and forward Colin Blackwell to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2022 draft, a second-rounder in 2023, and a 2022 third-round pick. The Kraken also retain 50 percent of Giordano’s $6.75 million cap hit.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas said he wouldn’t part with a first-round pick or a top prospect for a rental player. He got himself an excellent top-four defenseman with Giordano without having to sacrifice too much in return.
Seattle Kraken trade defenseman Mark Giordano to the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL Images).
The Leafs needed a top-four blueliner with Jake Muzzin still sidelined indefinitely by a head injury. Giordano isn’t a physical shutdown rearguard like Muzzin but his mobility, two-way skills and leadership should prove a welcome addition as a playoff rental to their defense corps.
Winner of the Norris Trophy in 2019, the 38-year-old Giordano put up a respectable 23 points in 55 games with the low-scoring Kraken. His puck-moving skills should prove a good fit with the Leafs’ potent offense.
Blackwell, 28, can play center or wing and is also slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He has a decent scoring touch, netting 12 goals and 22 points in 47 games last season with the New York Ranger. Blackwell’s versatility gives the Leafs some flexibility to slot him into a variety of roles should injuries strike.
To free up some additional salary cap room, the Leafs traded defenseman Travis Dermott to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for the Canucks’ third-round pick in 2022.
The Kraken reportedly sought a first-round pick for Giordano but the number of potential trade partners was shrinking with Hampus Lindholm acquired by the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers dealing for Ben Chiarot. Getting two seconds should help them select a pair of promising youngsters to stock up their prospect pipeline.
The Ottawa Senators acquired defenseman Travis Hamonic from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a third-round pick (originally belonging to the Canucks) in 2022.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamonic is in the first year of a two-year deal with an annual average value of $3 million. A physical two-way defenseman, the 31-year-old has been sidelined in recent years dealing with injuries and personal matters.
The Canucks wanted to shed salary to garner some cap flexibility heading into the offseason. It remains to be seen if this move is to clear room to re-sign restricted free agent Brock Boeser or the first of other cost-cutting deals.
The Canucks used their recently reacquired pick to bring in Travis Dermott from the Leafs. He’ll get a great opportunity for more playing time in Vancouver. He’s signed through 2022-23 with a $1.5 million cap hit.
The Buffalo Sabres trade defenseman Robert Hagg to the Florida Panthers in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2022 draft.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers blueliner Aaron Ekblad is expected to be placed on long-term injury reserve with a lower-body injury for the remainder of the regular season. That provides the Panthers with some cap flexibility to add more depth to their lineup for the postseason. Hagg, 27, is a stay-at-home rearguard with an affordable $1.6 million cap hit.
The Hamonick acquisition is a sure sign that Josh Brown will either be on the move tomorrow – or simply not re-signed as a UFA in the off-season. Mete – who’s asked for a trade – may also be moved – but that’s less of a sure thing with Chabot done for the season. Sanderson should be arriving for his pro debut soon.
@ PENGY
Sorry to hear your are disappointed in the GIO deal I really think this adds..a more steady professional core to the bck end and hope he signs for next year as well….gives leafs
Rielly – Lybushkyn
Brodie – Giordano
Sandin – Muzzin
Lilijergen – Holl…. ( TBA )
Leafs got the 3rd round pick back for Dermott……
so in essence two 2nd rounders for Gio and Blackwell,,,
Iam really fine with that …and not done yet ..best top 6 ….D core they have had in 10 years !!!
You mean ”in essence” Dermott and two 2nd rounders 😉
Dermott was a second round pick as well in 2015, so it sounds more like 3 second rounders for Giordano and Blackwell… Ah Leafs fans !
How does Tampa always land guys when they are at the Cap.. Hagel now Paul whose next Chychrun??? LOL
So annoying.. meanwhile Hextall and Burke still napping..
SENS …BOLTS
Tampa upgrades with Paul as depth player ….the league loves Nick Paul….Tampa gets deeper by the hour …against Florida…all depth moves …plugging every hole..
Tampa is so well run they get everyone when they are up against the Cap….
uugghhhhh Florida Tampa loading up…
I guess the Goon Squad picked up Hamonic for that long playoff run …bwa ha ha ha ha ha ha
Giordano is fine …
38 years of age , how much is left in the tank
Heavy compensation ..
Not sure what’s in the cards for tomorrow ‘s deadline .
Trrrooollling, trrrrooollling all day long … what a pathetic dick
@Pengy
U nailed it
Multiple picks as compensation
Giordano. I love it. They still have their 1st. Haven’t seen Blackwell play, but I remember there being some fuss over him last year with the Rangers. We shall see.
Bruins let’s bring back Ryan Graves and Pavel Zacha and head into the playoffs ready
Nick Paul to Tampa for Joseph and a 4th. Now this is a good fit for Paul!
The rich get richer freaking Tampa Bay…
Wow … just wow … clearly this is a beef-up for the playoffs because I just can’t see how they can re-sign him if what he wanted was in excess of 4 years and something north of the $2.5 mil offered
Three-peat coming up.
My predictions for tomorrow:
1. Fleury stays in Chicago.
2. Justin Braun to Toronto.
3. Chychryn to Rangers.
4. Matt Martin to Toronto.
5. Filip Forsberg to Detroit.
6. Domi to Edmonton.
7. Mrazek clears waivers.
8. Petry to St. Louis.
9. Kane ot Toews remain in Chicago but one or both dealt in the summer.
10. PK Subban does not get traded.
Wow. I ended up 6 of 10 completely wrong, 2 of 10 who ended up getting traded but to different teams, and 2 of 10 right. Mrazek cleared waivers because nobody wanted him and PK Subban didn’t get traded. Guess I’m like a broken clock which is correct twice a day.