Seattle Kraken select Colin Blackwell; but a trade is in the works

Originally posted on Forever Blueshirts | Last updated 7/21/21

Multiple reports indicate the Seattle Kraken have selected Colin Blackwell from the New York Rangers. However; per Rick Carpiniello of The Athletic, he may still be a Blueshirt with a trade in the works.

Hearing Seattle is going to take Colin Blackwell from #NYR … but there could be a trade in the works (for D Mark Giordano?) that changes the pick and allows Rangers to keep Blackwell.
— Rick Carpiniello (@RickCarpiniello) July 21, 2021

Colin Blackwell taken by Kraken

Colin Blackwell signed a two-year deal worth $750,000 per year. The 28 year-old forward scored 12 goals and 22 points in 47 games last season and proved to be versatile playing 4th line minutes when needed. Although small at 5-9, Blackwell is a tenacious forechecker with speed who views every shift as if it could be his last.

The Rangers surely enjoyed Blackwell’s versatility as he played on the second line but was also effective as a 4th liner as well. He was a leader for Team USA at the World Championships in Latvia this summer helping them capture Bronze.

Rangers trade in the works

The question remains as to exactly what the trade would be?

Are the Rangers about to acquire Mark Giordano as Carpiniello speculates? If so, the 37 year-old left handed defenseman would be that veteran defender they’ve been seeking that can play top four minutes if needed.

Giordano has one year left on a deal that pays $6.75 million. One has to assume the Kraken are going to retain up to 50% of his salary in a deal. But what is it going to cost the Rangers for them to do that is a bigger question.

Maybe more details will be revealed tonight.