Toronto Maple Leafs acquire defenseman Mark Giordano from Seattle Kraken

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a huge splash less than 24 hours before the NHL’s trade deadline with a Norris Trophy winner and hometown talent returning to The Six.

The Leafs have acquired defenseman Mark Giordano and forward Colin Blackwell from the Seattle Kraken, Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli confirmed Sunday. In return, the Leafs are sending back two second-round picks and a third-round selection, Seravalli reported. 50% of UFA’s $6.75-million salary is being retained by the Kraken.

On Thursday, Seravalli reported Toronto was Giordano’s preferred destination given he calls the city home.

Named captain of the Kraken ahead of its inaugural season, the veteran rearguard has tons of familiarity with Leafs defenseman T.J. Brodie. The pair played together with the Calgary Flames for many seasons, and it’s a fair guess that the Leafs coaching staff will look to reunite them.

Between 2017-18 and 2019-20, the pair played 1,704 minutes together, posting strong results. With them on the ice together at 5-on-5, the Flames had controlled 55.94 percent of the shot attempts, 58.87 percent of the goals scored and 54.73 percent of the expected goal share.

On his own, Giordano has continued to put up good numbers with the Kraken this year. With him on the ice at 5-on-5, the Kraken controlled 51.93 percent of the shot attempts, 41.89 percent of the goals scored and 49.73 percent of the expected goals. These numbers have been sunk with some very poor goaltending by Seattle this season.

According to hockeyviz.com, Giordano is still having good isolated impacts. At even-strength, he contributes offense at a one-percent rate below league average and defense at a four-percent rate above league average.

Last Wednesday, the Kraken honored Giordano for playing in his 1,000th NHL game.