Recently, the team welcomed back Timothy Liljegren, who missed approximately six weeks of action due to a high-ankle sprain suffered on November 2nd after being tripped up by Boston's Brad Marchand a few feet away from the boards following an intense a puck race. Now, it looks like there's more good news coming out of Toronto on the blueline front.
Per Leafs reporter David Alter of The Hockey News, Mark Giordano has joined the Leafs for today's full skate ahead of tonight's game against the Ottawa Senators.
Giordano has not played since November 28th due to a broken finger that he sustained in a game against the Florida Panthers. Giordano had taken just 8 shifts in the game, but after blocking a shot with his hand, he left the ice for medical attention and did not return.
Giordano, the oldest player in the NHL and the league's all-time shot blocking leader, has suited up in 20 games for the Leafs this season prior to his injury, scoring 1 goal and adding 4 assists on the season. Gio has been an anchor for the team's third pairing all season and has been able to step up into the top-4 when called upon, providing the Leafs with quality minutes in all situations.
Per the line rushes, Giordano is not expected to play tonight, but the fact that he's joining the full session today bodes well for the veteran defenseman moving forward. He's certainly not far off.
POLL | ||
27 DECEMBRE | 659 ANSWERS Leafs reporter shares some big news coming out of Toronto this morning Do you think Mark Giordano retires at the end of this season? | ||
Yes, he's the oldest skater in the league | 476 | 72.2 % |
No, he's still healthy and playing well | 183 | 27.8 % |
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