The Toronto Maple Leafs, like many other teams across the NHL, are deeply immersed in decision-making regarding free agents, trades, and other transactions as the opening of free agency looms less than a week away. With significant gaps to fill on offense, defense, and in net, one of the most pressing questions revolves around the future of veteran defenseman and pending unrestricted free agent Mark Giordano.
Giordano, 40, was the oldest player in the NHL last season, leading many to speculate that he might retire. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case. According to a report by Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star, Giordano is determined to extend his professional hockey career.
“Mark has made the decision that he’s playing for a few more years,” said his agent, Rich Winter. “He feels very confident. He’s been talking to a lot of people who tell him: Don’t quit until they make you.”
While it’s still unclear if the Maple Leafs will want the seasoned defenseman back next season, Giordano is resolute in his desire to keep playing. “He clearly wants to play,” Winter emphasized.
— Kevin McGran (@kevin_mcgran) June 20, 2024
The Leafs acquired Giordano and forward Colin Blackwell in March 2022 through a trade with the Seattle Kraken. The deal, which included two second-round picks (2022, 2023) and a third-round selection in 2024, saw the Kraken retain 50% of Giordano’s $6.75 million contract for the remainder of the 2021-22 campaign. Giordano then signed a two-year, $1.6 million contract with the Leafs, taking a significant “hometown discount” with a cap hit of $800,000 per season.
Despite the expiration of his contract, Giordano’s tenure with the Leafs has been notable. During his first full season, he played a crucial role amidst injuries to key defensemen T.J. Brodie, Morgan Rielly, and Jake Muzzin. Giordano averaged over 23 minutes of ice time per game, missing only four regular-season games while contributing four goals and 20 assists. He also appeared in all 11 of the team’s postseason games, adding two assists.
In the 2023-24 season, however, injuries, depth issues, and age began to take a toll. Giordano’s ice time decreased as he played in just 46 regular-season games, scoring three goals and adding six assists. He did not appear in any postseason games.
As of July 1, Giordano is one of five notable Maple Leafs defensemen set to become unrestricted free agents, alongside Joel Edmundson, Ilya Lyubushkin, T.J. Brodie, and John Klingberg. While it remains uncertain if the Maple Leafs will offer Giordano another contract, his vast experience and status as a former Norris Trophy winner at age 35 ensure he still holds significant value. If the Maple Leafs decide not to retain him, Giordano could undoubtedly be a valuable addition to another team looking for veteran leadership and defensive prowess.
As the free agency period approaches, the Maple Leafs face critical decisions that could shape the team’s future. Whether Giordano remains part of their plans or finds a new home, his career exemplifies resilience and dedication to the sport.
