Mark Giordano could still return to the Maple Leafs this season
The Toronto Maple Leafs are at risk of having a deal fall through, which could force them to reconnect with local veteran Mark Giordano prior to training camp.
Earlier this summer, Giordano's agent, Rich Winter, told the media that his client does indeed plan to continue his NHL career at 41 years of age. For more on that story, visit our link, provided here: Mark Giordano makes shocking career decision at nearly 41 years of age.
While it originally seemed like a forgone conclusion that the Leafs and Giordano would go their separate ways this summer, a potentially problematic situation between the Leafs and Jani Hakanpaa, whom they had reportedly signed to a 2-year deal on July 1st, could ultimately lead the Leafs back to someone they know pretty well in Giordano -- if the Hakanpaa deal does in fact fall apart prior to training camp.
Giordano, like Hakanpaa, is probably not an every night player. However, unlike Hakanpaa, there are no question marks surrounding Gio's health, which could make him an attractive option for Brad Treliving as a depth option.
At this point, with Giordano remaining unsigned deep into the summer, it is entirely possible that he goes the PTO route, signing a professional tryout agreement to prove to a team in training camp that he still has what it takes to play the game he loves at the NHL level. Giordano only skated in 46 games in 2023-24, but his absences were largely related to healthy scratches and the unfortunate and untimely passing of his father during the season.
The NHL's all-time shot blocking leader could be a valuable asset to the Leafs in training camp, either on a PTO or a 1-year deal at the league minimum salary. He is a shining example of a pro's pro, who knows how to take care of himself. In that aspect, he can show a lot of these young training camp attendees how to best position themselves for a long and successful NHL career.
At this point, there are no indications that the Leafs are pursuing a deal for Giordano, but that can change in the blink of an eye if the Hakanpaa deal is not finalized prior to the start of the season.
Giordano has skated in 1,148 career regular season NHL games, producing 158 goals and 577 career points along the way. He averaged 16:37 in ice time per game for the Maple Leafs last season as the oldest skater in the NHL.
Source for stats: NHL.com
Mark Giordano stats and bio
| POLL | ||
AOUT 8 | 918 ANSWERS Mark Giordano could still return to the Maple Leafs this season Do you think Mark Giordano will return with the Leafs as a depth option this season? | ||
| Yes | 343 | 37.4 % |
| No | 575 | 62.6 % |
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