Former Toronto Maple Leaf Mark Giordano's NHL Future Takes a Surprising Hit

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Chris Gerics
October 11, 2024 (12:52)

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It's been a tough summer and early autumn for Mark Giordano as the 41-year-old is still unsigned, and though he might help a few teams, time is running out for him.

Mark Giordano was a surprising bright spot for the Maple Leafs in 2023-2024, and although he didn't score much, he was a crucial locker room leader and veteran the Maple Leafs could depend on each night. Though he has lost a step or two compared to earlier in his career, the all-time shots-blocked leader was still able to contribute defensively.

So with the Maple Leafs choosing not to re-sign Giordano and opting to go a different route with Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Jani Hakanpaa; there seemed to be no room for Giordano. As free agency kept passing week by week, Giordano remained unsigned, and even as teams headed into camp, he wasn't even able to latch onto a PTO.

Though there's still hope for the 41-year-old according to Adam Proteau of The Hockey News:

"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.»

A depth role is one that Giordano would need to fit given his age and regression, although he could offer a big veteran voice to help guide some younger defensemen and perhaps take one or two under his wing and show them how to have a strong, fruitful career like his:

«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.»

But he could fit right in with a few teams according to NHL Insiders Pierre Lebrun and Chris Johnston, who both believe Giordano could latch onto a team such as the Hurricanes or Oilers:

Since joining the NHL in 2005-2006 with the Calgary Flames, Giordano has become one of the most consistent stalwart defenders in the entire NHL. Using his tenacious style of play and willingness to put his body on the line regardless of the situation endeared Giordano to Flames fans everywhere. In his 15-year career with Calgary, he scored 143 goals and 366 assists in 949 games before heading to Seattle for one season in 2021-2022. The Maple Leafs picked him up in that same year at the deadline for their playoff push, and he managed 9 goals and 36 assists in 144 games for Toronto before leaving this summer.

It will be interesting to see if Giordano can find himself a team willing to take a chance on him, and perhaps it won't be long before he's blocking shots again but for now, he has to sit and wait; and time waits for no one.