Plan the Parade Route! Maple Leafs Trade for Mark Giordano Final Piece of Stanley Cup Puzzle
A day before the NHL Trade Deadline, Mark Giordano has been shipped from the Seattle Kraken to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The 38-year old was named the first captain in Seattle Kraken franchise history, but after a disappointing season, reports indicated that he had requested a trade to a team with a shot at the Stanley Cup. As a result, he's been shipped to his hometown of Toronto to try to win a championship with the Maple Leafs.
Confirming Giordano to the Leafs. Awaiting details.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 20, 2022
The official details of the trade haven't been released at the time of writing this article, but according to Darren Dreger of TSN, multiple draft picks are involved.
Multiple draft picks involved. https://t.co/D7ieDtr5pG
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 20, 2022
How Does the Mark Giordano Trade Affect Maple Leafs Odds?
WynnBET has held the Maple Leafs' odds to win the Stanley Cup steady at +1200 (bet $100 to profit $1,200), but this trade could be looked at as the final piece the Leafs needed to truly make a championship run.
The Maple Leafs downfall in the postseason in recent history has largely been due to their defense. They've been better in their own end this season, ranking 12th in opponent high danger scoring chances, but this trade will strengthen their defense even more.
Mark Giordano, trade to TOR, is a top four defensive defenceman who can still make a solid first pass and prevent scoring chances against. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/No8MfBmQnu
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 20, 2022
For Maple Leafs fans, like myself, this give us a lot of hope. Is Giordano past his playing prime? Absolutely. Can he still be a major benefit for a Toronto team that struggled defensively at times? 100%.
If the Leafs can break their curse of first round playoff losses, they might make their first return to the Stanley Cup Finals since 1967. It's time to plan the parade route.