Flames’ Giordano going to Seattle Kraken in expansion draft
Posted Jul 21, 2021 10:33 am.
Last Updated Jul 22, 2021 7:07 am.
CALGARY – The Calgary Flames has lost its beloved captain Mark Giordano in an expansion draft for the Seattle Kraken.
Can confirm Seattle is taking Mark Giordano from Calgary, first reported by @salimvalji.
Truly the end of an era. He finishes his time with the team 51 games from 1000. Giordano’s 949 games is second only to Jarome Iginla (1219) in franchise history. #Flames
— Pat Steinberg (@Fan960Steinberg) July 21, 2021
The newest NHL team is set to unveil the first players on its roster Wednesday evening.
He finishes his time with the team 51 games shy of hitting the 1,000 mark. Giordano’s 949 games is second only to Jarome Iginla (1,219) in franchise history.
While Giordano’s departure frees up $6.75 million in cap space for the club, coach Darryl Sutter will have to start next season without his best blueliner and team leader.
Mark Giordano, reportedly selected by SEA, is no longer the Norris-calibre defenceman he was a few seasons ago but he can still play for sure. #SeaKraken pic.twitter.com/6YFyJhSPeo
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 21, 2021
The journey of Giordano is a fascinating one and not a traditional route to the NHL by any means.
He was undrafted–Calgary inked him to a contract in 2004, which was a three-way deal.
He also saw a stint in Russia before he became a mainstay on the flames blueline, winning the Norris Trophy in 2019.
Giordano is well known for his work off the ice and was awarded the ESPN Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award for his charity work.
Along with being spokespeople for Habitat for Humanity, Giordano and his wife Lauren launched the Team Giordano Project, part of the Flames Foundation that donated funding to local schools to supply new gym equipment and computers while offering mentorship to the students.
He’ll leave the flames putting up 509 points.
The Kraken will choose 30 players, 20 of whom must be under contract for the coming season.
The positional requirements are at least three goalies, 14 forwards, and nine defencemen.
