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New York Rangers should revisit idea of trading for Mark Giordano

Originally posted on Forever Blueshirts | Last updated 11/13/21

The Seattle Kraken selected Colin Blackwell from the from the New York Rangers in the Expansion Draft. However, a rumor surfaced on that day indicating the Blueshirts were trying to acquire defenseman Mark Giordano, whom the Kraken selected from the Flames.

At the time, they were in the market for a left handed veteran defenseman and 38 year-old Giordano certainly fit the bill. Ultimately, the Blueshirts signed Patrick Nemeth for three years at $2.5 million.

Nemeth has struggled on the Rangers blue-line even when not playing with rookie Nils Lundkvist. This season, he has a -6 rating with no points and team low of 34% corsi among all defensemen.

It’s certainly a concern and something Chris Drury will need to address.

Mark Giordano could hit the trade market soon

The expansion Kraken look every bit a newly formed franchise as any other to have entered the NHL. The Golden Knights were the exception, not the rule.

Oddly enough, a look at how the team was put together by Ron Francis with a focus on defense, people naturally questioned if they could score. Seattle’s 2.86 goals per game ranks them 18th in the NHL. However, their 3.64 goals allowed per game has them 31 out 32 teams.

As we near U.S. Thanksgiving, which is widely considered every NHL’s team’s first pulse check, trades could be in the works. Jeff Gorton was on the @TheRink podcast and explained that’s roughly where most GM’s feel they have enough information and start to address their needs.

For the Seattle Kraken, who are sitting dead last in the Pacific Division at 4-9-1 (9 pts) trading pending UFA Mark Giordano could be coming sooner rather than later.

“I think that’s a decision we make a little bit down the road here,” Francis told Pierre LeBrun in October. “Right now we’re still trying to figure out what we have, and who works well with who, try to mesh it all together. Certainly, Mark is a terrific pro, been in the game a while, and a great leader for us and the organization, representing us not only on the ice but in the community as well. We’ll see where things go moving forward with the franchise overall.’’

That time could be coming at the end of this month.

New York Rangers should look into Mark Giordano… again

This season, Giordano has scored three goals and seven points in 14 games for the struggling Kraken playing an average of 21:05 per game. On the Rangers, he’d likely see a little less ice time but would play clutch minutes late in order to hold leads, something they’ve had trouble with recently.

The veteran defenseman, who is also the Kraken captain, has one year left on a deal that pays $6.75 million. The Rangers have plenty of cap space to take him on without the Kraken needing to retain any salary. And why not hand out another “A”?

Of course, If the Kraken wait to trade Giordano at the NHL Trade Deadline they could increase their return with more teams being able to bid due to less cap issues. However, if the defensively challenged Rangers were wise they’d cut everyone off at the pass.

Seattle will likely set the price at a first round pick. The Rangers, who are overloaded with prospects, should give up a lottery protected first round pick for him now.

The Blueshirts are in the toughest division in all of hockey as every team in the Metro is above .500. Meanwhile, all the other divisions have at least two teams below the benchmark. That means points, especially early and in division battles will be the difference on making the playoffs or not.

It would be wise for Chris Drury to call Ron Francis soon and not be stingy with his offer.

A blue-line with Mark Giordano replacing Patrik Nemeth would be optimal. It could also cost, Lundkvist playing time this season if Gallant opts to move Nemeth to the right of Giordano. After watching Igor Shesterkin besieged by shots and under constant assault, it would be worth it.