NHL Insider praises Mark Giordano, breaks down why his deal is so beneficial for the Leafs
Almost 48 hours after defenseman Mark Giordano signed his extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs, two years, $800K per season, Leafs Nation is still in disbelief of what a steal that contract will likely turn out to be.
On Tuesday morning, TSN1050's First Up had NHL Insider Chris Johnston make a guest appearance to discuss the Giordano deal. Johnston called the deal one of the biggest hometown discounts "anywhere in recent memory in the NHL".
Johnston was complementary of Giordano, stating that while he had a strong case to make a lot more money next season, his pursuit of something bigger and his recognition of what the Leafs' current cap situation is like and a willingness to leave money on the table to help out Leafs GM Kyle Dubas even though it's not what's best for him individually, is really admirable.
We're still talking about a defenseman who had 35 points last year, so clearly, he'd have a place to push for more money. [The Leafs] get the strong statement about [Giordano's] desire to try to be a part of the solution in Toronto.. to give the team as much flexibility as possible to sign players around him.
It's easy for me, or any fan to say 'oh yeah, leave a bunch of money on the table', but to actually do it is quite admirable and it puts the Leafs in a great spot."
-Johnston on Giordano leaving money on the table to allow the Leafs some financial flexibilty.
Giordano has made an estimated ~$62M over the course of his lengthy NHL career. He spoke yesterday about how fortunate he has been in his career and how lucky he is to be in a position where the money doesn't matter much to him at this stage in his career. Clearly, it's not all talk with Gio. He wants to win, and he just gave the Leafs a really good deal, which proves just that.
| POLL | ||
MAI 24 | 337 ANSWERS NHL Insider praises Mark Giordano, breaks down why his deal is so beneficial for the Leafs Are the Leafs a better team with Mark Giordano? | ||
| Not without a goalie they're not | 33 | 9.8 % |
| No question. They're a way better team with Gio | 180 | 53.4 % |
| Honestly, it doesn't matter. They're cursed. | 22 | 6.5 % |
| Yes, now go sign Spezza, Kyle! | 102 | 30.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
