Brutal development in Mark Giordano’s NHL future…
The defenseman is highly respected across the league, and it has come to this?
Defenseman Mark Giordano remains unsigned as the 2024-25 season is underway and you have to wonder what’s coming next for the 41-year-old blue liner. In the offseason, reports hinted at the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and Toronto Maple Leafs reaching out to the defender, though the Flames got out of the talks fast and with the Maple Leafs allegedly shopping his former ‘D’ partner Timothy Liljegren, there does not seem to be realistic room for him in his native Toronto.
Adam Proteau praised Giordano is his latest article on The Hockey News and points out that the veteran player keeps playing the waiting game. He writes:
“you can’t fault him for hanging on to his status as an NHLer as hard as he can. Giordano has earned the right to take his time and see what fate has in store for him this year, and if he does get another chance – even in a part-time depth role – he’s going to be thrilled with the opportunity.”
Giordano started his career with Calgary in 2005 and captained the team for eight seasons from 2013-2021. He won the Norris Trophy in 2018-19 and the Mark Messier Leadership Award the following season. He went on to captain the Seattle Kraken and was a great leader in Toronto as well. Giordano may be 41 years old, he would be a great leader for any team out there.
Proteau believes teams would benefit from Giordano’s experience and reputation, and is adamant the defenseman would agree to play less minutes if it means getting back on NHL ice.
“Giordano has earned a positive reputation with all the hard work he’s put in leading up to today. Even a depth role where he plays here and there could allow him to impart the right plays, tips and decisions to younger players while leading by example on every shift he takes.”
Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun also wrote about Giordano on Thursday and see the Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers as “appealing possibilities.”
Last season, Giordano struggled with injuries and played just 46 regular season games and recorded three goals and six assists. He missed the entire postseason as the Maple Leafs were eliminated in seven games in the first round by the Boston Bruins. In 1,146 games in the NHL spent with the Flames, Kraken and Maple Leafs, he’s tallied 158 goals and 419 assists. If he’s able to secure a contract this season, it will be his 19th NHL campaign.
