Report: Kraken claim Flames captain Mark Giordano in expansion draft

The official announcement of the inaugural Seattle Kraken roster isn’t until 6 p.m. MT on Wednesday night, but reports have leaked out on social media revealing many of the selections. Among them? According to TSN’s Salim Valji and The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, Seattle has claimed Calgary Flames captain Mark Giordano.

Giordano, 37, leaves the Flames after playing the second-most games in franchise history (949) and serving the second-longest as the club’s captain, behind Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla in both categories.

Originally signed in July 2004 as minor league depth for the club’s shared AHL affiliate in Lowell, Giordano forced his way onto the NHL roster with strong play in the minors. He reached a contract impasse with then-general manager Darryl Sutter following the 2007 season, seeking a one-way contract after playing well on his entry-level deal. Unable to reach an agreement, he headed to Russia and played for a season with Dynamo Moscow in the old Superleague (the precursor to the KHL) and won a Spengler Cup before returning to the Flames the following season.

Giordano’s game found a new level as he neared (and entered his 30s). He was named captain in 2013, succeeding Iginla, and became a perennial Norris Trophy contender. He won the Norris in 2018-19 after scoring 74 points in 78 games. He also captured the NHL’s NHL Foundation Player Award and the Mark Messier Leadership Award during his tenure with the Flames.

Giordano was a tremendous Flame on and off the ice, winning awards for both his on-ice excellence and his off-ice contributions to the Calgary community. He leaves a legacy as one of the best players in franchise history.

And now? He’s part of the Kraken.