Maple Leafs’ Veteran Defenseman Plans to Keep Playing
Mark Giordano of the Toronto Maple Leafs intends to continue his NHL career.
Giordano’s agent, Rich Winter, told the Toronto Star’s Kevin McGran that his client aims to play in the 2024-25 NHL season. Giordano, currently a free agent after completing a two-year $1.6 million contract signed in 2022, is confident in his decision to keep playing.
“Mark has decided to continue playing for a few more years,” Winter told the Toronto Star. “He feels very confident. He’s been advised not to quit until it’s no longer an option… He clearly wants to play.”
Winter did not disclose whether Giordano and the Maple Leafs have begun contract discussions. Nonetheless, the 40-year-old defenseman plans to play next season.
Having played in the NHL since 2006, Giordano has appeared in 1,148 regular-season games. Last season with the Maple Leafs, he played 46 games, scoring 3 goals and 6 assists for a total of 9 points. However, he did not participate in the playoffs, as he was a healthy scratch.
Fans’ Sentiments on Giordano’s Return
Giordano joined the Maple Leafs on March 20, 2022, after being traded from the Seattle Kraken. He performed well initially, earning a two-year contract extension. However, his performance declined last season, leading to him being a healthy scratch, and many Maple Leafs fans believe it’s time for the team to move on.
“Liked the guy, but no. He’s lost a step too much,” one fan commented.
“No. Give a prospect a chance over a 40-year-old,” another added.
Other fans agreed, suggesting Giordano is no longer at an NHL-caliber level, especially given his age.
“No thanks. Wouldn’t be interested in him returning,” one fan wrote.
“Gio was great, but the Leafs need to move on from aging vets. Depth spots should go to younger players for development,” another fan wrote.
The general consensus among fans is that Giordano is too old to be re-signed, and Toronto should focus on younger replacements.
If the Maple Leafs decide not to re-sign Giordano, it remains to be seen if there will be interest in his services for the 2024-25 NHL season.
Giordano’s Injury-Plagued Season
Giordano had a challenging 2023-24 season due to injuries. Despite being healthy at the end of the year, he couldn’t secure a spot in the lineup.
In December, Giordano was placed on LTIR with a finger injury, missing 12 games. In February, he suffered a lower-body injury, missing one game. He then missed more time following his father’s death and, after returning on February 27, suffered a concussion on February 29, sidelining him for a month.
Although he returned for the final regular-season games, Giordano was a healthy scratch during the playoffs.
