Leafs defenseman struck by tragedy, organization issues heartbreaking announcement

Just 24 hours after the Leafs took on the Philadelphia Flyers, skating away with a 4-3 OT win, the team had the unfortunate task of making a heartbreaking announcement that a tragedy has befallen a member of the team.

Per the Leafs' official announcement on Friday, veteran defenseman Mark Giordano's father, Paul Giordano, passed away unexpectedly after Thursday's game. The Leafs issued the following statement on Mr. Giordano's passing.

The Leafs are back in action on Saturday evening against the Anaheim Ducks, but it's highly unlikely that we see Gio in the lineup, as he and his family mourn their loss.

Our deepest condolences go out to the Giordano family during this extremely difficult time.

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