NHL Rumors: Calgary Flames Looking To Add Top Defenseman

The Calgary Flames' recent visit to Seattle for a midseason matchup with the expansion Kraken had a little more intrigue than most games that take place this time of year. Thursday's game was the first time the Flames got the chance to play against their former team captain and victim of the expansion draft, Mark Giordano. The former Norris Trophy winner was impressive in his first game against his former team, scoring the first goal of the game and adding two assists. Despite his efforts, the visiting Flames triumphed with a 6-4 victory, thanks in part to 3-point nights from both Johnny Gaudreau (2 G, 1 A) and Matthew Tkachuk (1 G, 2 A).

The real story coming out of the game, however, is the buzz around a potential reunion between Giordano and the contending Flames. Both TSN's Salim Valji and Sportsnet's Eric Francis have recently suggested that the Flames are interested in bringing in a top defenseman and that Mark Giordano would fit the bill. Valji on Giordano:

The 2021-22 season could be the final playoff run for this core, and Treliving will augment it with at least one big move at the deadline.

I could easily see the organization repatriate former captain Mark Giordano from the Seattle Kraken. Darryl Sutter has said several times that the team needs more puck movement from the back end, and Giordano’s skillset (plus ties to the city) make him an ideal fit.

With the Kraken's recent struggles (the loss to the Flames was their 7th in the last 8 games) and the 37-year-old's contract expiring after this season, Seattle may be better off trading the veteran for future assets rather than potentially lose him in the offseason - which seems likely if the Kraken are not contenders. If they do decide to move Giordano, expect the Flames to have first dibs.