Giordano a healthy scratch; is a deal imminent?
According to Seattle Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol, captain Mark Giordano will be a healthy scratch tonight and likely for the foreseeable future until a trade is completed prior to Monday's 3pm EST deadline. It's kind of sad, really, that the Kraken chose tonight as the night to begin holding Giordano out of the lineup, as the former Norris Trophy winner is being honoured for his 1000th NHL game on Wednesday.
With Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe confirming after practice this morning that Muzzin's participation in practice will be reduced as he takes a step back, so as to not rush his recovery from his second concussion of the season, it seems likely that we'll see a move from Leafs GM Kyle Dubas. Since Giordano has already been linked to Toronto, you have to wonder if Dubas and Kraken GM Ron Francis are working behind the scenes to strike a deal.
We do not yet have confirmation as to whether or not Muzzin will be cleared to return before the playoffs, so the Leafs' actual deadline cap space remains a mystery. However, with double salary retention, Dubas could acquire Giordano at a fraction of his $6.75M contract. Just how low could the Leafs get Gio's contract down to? Well, If the Kraken retain 50% and another team comes in to eat an additional 25%, the Leafs could bring the veteran blueliner in for just under $1.7M.
It's unclear what the Leafs would be sending out in the deal. The Kraken are rumoured to be looking for a 1st round pick for Giordano. Would they settle or a lower pick and a prospect? Also, with the Leafs only owning 3 picks in the upcoming draft, would any potential broker team be willing to accept a future pick or a prospect?
| POLL | ||
MARS 16 | 394 ANSWERS Giordano a healthy scratch; is a deal imminent? Where will Mark Giordano end up to finish the season? | ||
| Toronto | 168 | 42.6 % |
| Calgary | 117 | 29.7 % |
| Other | 62 | 15.7 % |
| He'll stay in Seattle and become a UFA this summer | 47 | 11.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
