Oldest active NHL player intends to return next season

 

Mark Giordano, approaching unrestricted free agency in under two weeks, faces a pivotal juncture in his storied career. The seasoned defenseman, now concluding his second full season with the Maple Leafs, encountered adversity during this past campaign. Early on, he found himself sidelined from the regular lineup, contending with injuries and even relegated to a healthy scratch throughout Toronto’s disappointing first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Bruins.

Despite these challenges, the 2019 Norris Trophy winner harbors no plans of hanging up his skates just yet. His agent, Rich Winter, revealed to Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star that Giordano, entering what could potentially be his 19th NHL season at age 41, remains resolute in his desire to continue playing. Winter emphasized Giordano’s confidence in his ability and his conversations with peers advising him to keep going as long as possible.

Looking ahead to free agency starting July 1, the level of interest in Giordano remains uncertain. This uncertainty stems from his performance this past season, widely acknowledged as the most challenging of his career. Limited to just 46 games, he notched three goals and nine points with a respectable +10 rating, though he saw diminished ice time averaging 16:37 per game, his lowest since the 2008-09 season. Injuries, including a significant finger injury and a concussion, further disrupted his season.

Giordano’s role on the ice also evolved; often paired with Timothy Liljegren, known for his solid advanced metrics but occasional defensive lapses, Giordano’s offensive contributions waned. Once known for his scoring prowess with six consecutive seasons of double-digit goals and a standout performance that clinched him the Norris Trophy, Giordano’s offensive output diminished, reflecting his reduced power play opportunities.

Despite these changes, Giordano’s defensive acumen and strong possession stats remain noteworthy. Throughout his career, he’s been relied upon in penalty-killing situations, a role he continued this season with an average of over two minutes per game shorthanded, ranking fifth among Leafs players.

Financially, Giordano is completing a modest two-year contract extension with an $800K average annual value, suggesting he may be open to a similar or reduced salary, possibly even the league minimum of $775K, as he evaluates his options for the upcoming season.

In sum, while Giordano faces uncertainties regarding his future team and role in the NHL, his determination to continue playing, coupled with his enduring defensive skills and leadership, ensures he remains a compelling prospect for teams seeking experience and reliability on their blue line.